Saturday 11 February 2017 11:31, UK
Emmanuel Petit would like Arsenal to appoint Diego Simeone as manager, should Arsene Wenger decide to leave the club.
Wenger, out of contract at the Emirates in the summer, has had his long-term future at the Emirates questioned after two successive defeat all but ended their Premier League title hopes.
The defeats to Watford and league leaders Chelsea have fuelled calls for Wenger to end his 20-year spell in north London.
Former Gunners midfielder Petit stopped short of backing such claims but voiced his support of Atletico Madrid manager Simeone as a potential successor to Wenger.
"If Arsene leaves I'd like to see Simeone from Atletico Madrid (replace him)," the 1997/98 Double winner told Soccer AM. "He has got huge experience.
"What he has done for the last five years at Atletico is amazing, given the two top guns in Spain in Real Madrid and Barcelona.
"They are still competing every season with them in La Liga and the Champions League, that is a huge achievement.
"On top of that he has the discipline and vision to how he wants his players to play on the pitch, with high intensity and respect.
"That could be something very good for Arsenal, but only if Arsene leaves."
Petit was keen to stress his support of Simeone should not be construed as a vote of no confidence for Wenger, who he played under at Monaco and Arsenal.
Instead, the World Cup winner launched a damning assessment of the current crop of players at Wenger's disposal.
"Arsenal have spent a lot of money in the transfer market in the last two years," he added. "This is where the focus should be.
"There is a lot of speculation surrounding Arsene. The question should be asked about the players in the squad. I think 30 per cent should be leaving the club."
