Arsene Wenger hints at Steve Bould appointment

Arsene Wenger has hinted that Steve Bould could replace the retiring Pat Rice as his Arsenal assistant next season.

Rice looks set to step down this summer after 16 years as the Frenchman's number two due to a chronic knee problem.

Wenger praised his long-serving assistant and also revealed that Bould is one of the prime candidates should Rice make his retirement official.

"It looks like [Rice] could stop, but it is not official yet," said the 62-year-old. "Pat is fantastic. He works every day hard and never speaks to the Press - fantastic!

"It is possible [Bould will get the job]. Everywhere I go I keep somebody who knows the club and worked inside the club, so it is a possibility."

Former Arsenal defender Bould, who is the current youth team coach at the North London club, was part of the Gunners' playing staff between 1988 and 1999.