Paul Merson claims Pep Guardiola is perfect for Arsenal – not Man United

Paul Merson believes that Pep Guardiola is perfectly suited to take over at Arsenal if he steps down at Bayern Munich at the end of the season as expected.

The speculation surrounding the former midfielder’s future has been gathering pace in recent days, with widespread reports suggesting that he has made up his mind to leave Bayern in the summer.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have all been touted as possible destinations for the former Barcelona manager in recent weeks.

However, former Arsenal star Merson reckons that Guardiola would be the perfect man to take over from Arsene Wenger at Emirates Stadium should the opportunity present itself next summer.

Merson wrote in his column for the Daily Star: “If Pep Guardiola has a straight choice between Manchester United and Manchester City his decision is a no-brainer.

“But the best fit for Guardiola in the Premier League is not United or City, or even Chelsea, who probably won’t be in the Champions League now – it’s Arsenal.

“They already play the way he likes and he wouldn’t have to tinker too much. The only trouble is Arsene Wenger is there for as long as he wants to be.

“Would he stand aside? I don’t know. But if they go on and win the league, Wenger might think, ‘OK, I’m going to finish in a high, bring the lad in’. Who knows?”

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Arsenal, who finished third under Wenger last season, return to Premier League action when they host title rivals Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on Monday night.

The Gunners have not won the league since 2004.