Steve Bould 'to replace Arsene Wenger in 2017'

Steve Bould is reportedly being lined up to succeed Arsene Wenger as manager of Arsenal in three years' time.

The 51-year-old, who took over as Gunners assistant from Pat Rice in 2012, is reportedly seen by many of the club's hierarchy to have to right attributes to take over from the Frenchman when his current contract runs out in 2017.

Wenger has agreed a new three-year deal with the North London outfit, but his future as manager has been brought into question in recent months in the wake of their faltering Premier League campaign.

However, Arsenal would appear to have earmarked the former defender as the frontrunner to take over the hot seat. The Mirror quotes a club source as saying: "Steve and Arsene have a great working relationship. He communicates well and there is a lot respect for him."

Bould was youth team boss at Arsenal before being promoted to his current role.