Arsenal should go all out to try and bring in Antonio Conte this summer if he leaves Chelsea.
That’s according to former attacker-turned-pundit Paul Merson.
Arsene Wenger saw out the final game of his 22-year reign in North London by beating Huddersfield away from home on Sunday.
The Gunners are now looking at who best to take the reigns in the Frenchman’s absence – with Luis Enrique, Max Allegri and even former midfielder Mikel Arteta among those linked with the role.
But Merson has suggested a surprise alternative with Conte widely expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
After winning the league in comprehensive fashion in his first season, the Blues ended up 30 points behind champions Manchester City this term and failed to even qualify for the Champions League.
“Don’t get me wrong, top manager," Merson told The Debate on Sky Sports.
“What he did at Chelsea, when they got smashed by Arsenal at the Emirates and he changed that around and played three at the back.
“The way they’ve played, if I was Arsenal, if he left after the cup final I’d be walking over hot coals to try and get him at Arsenal.
“If Chelsea let go of Conte, I’d take Conte.
“This is not a one year thing. Conte ticks every box. He’ll come in and get everybody going again.
“He’s got experience, been in the Premier League. They’re talking about Allegri.
“He comes over and it’s going to take him another year because it’s a hard job. Man City have made this a difficult and terrible job.”