Parlour backs Newcastle boss Benitez to replace Wenger at Arsenal

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Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour thinks Newcastle’s Rafa Benitez would be a good candidate to succeed Arsene Wenger as manager.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has backed calls for Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez to be named as Arsene Wenger’s successor.

It has been confirmed that Wenger will step down as Gunners boss at the end of the season after almost 22 years in charge at the club.

Speculation is rife about who will take over from the Frenchman with several high profile names apparently on the shortlist, but Parlour thinks that Benitez would be a “great fit”.

“What he has done for Newcastle this season is amazing,” the former midfielder said on Talksport.

“With not a lot of investment he’s got them playing so well. They are out of trouble when it looked like they would be in a relegation battle, and now they are sitting really healthy in the league.

“He would be a great fit, but whether Arsenal want to go down that road…”

Is Parlour right?

Newcastle lost their last Premier League match with a 1-0 defeat at Everton, but with four successive victories before that – including a 2-1 win against Wenger’s men – they have already essentially confirmed their survival.

This is despite the fact that Benitez has been working with one of the smallest budgets in the division since winning the Championship and earning promotion in 2016/17.

The Spaniard is a hugely popular figure among the fans at St James’ Park, but does have a CV that would make a switch to the Emirates Stadium seem logical having previously won La Liga, the FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League.