Arsenal Board Identify Replacement If Wenger Talks Fall Through - Report

Antonio Conte is a possible candidate for the Arsenal managerial job if Arsene Wenger fails to agree a new deal with the north London club.

Wenger put talks on hold over a new deal with the Gunners during a particularly difficult transfer window in which fans were becoming increasingly frustrated with his refusal to spend big on desired targets.

Before deadline day came to a close he was able to land Mesut Ozil, bringing fans back onside, and Arsenal's performances since the transfer window have been constantly improving.

Most recently the Frenchman claimed that talks would stay on hold for now, insisting that there is a lot of time to sort out whether he will stay at the club beyond his current deal which lasts until the summer of 2014.

But speculation has already started over who might be his replacement if the manager does depart Arsenal after what will be 17 years in charge, with Antonio Conte believed to be one of the owner's preferred targets according to Italian publication Sports Media Net

Conte, a legend at Juventus, has been managing his old club for two years now but is believed to be open to the possibility of a move to the Premier League with the prestige that would come with it.

Fulfilling Wenger's boots would be a thankless task but Conte can offer a range of silverware behind him including the last two Serie A titles which might offer Gunners fans hope of breaking their trophyless spell, should Wenger fail to guide the side to success this season.

While the purchase of Ozil lifted the supporters and improved their relationship with Wenger there are still many questions over his business this summer. His failure to land a striker, or any other player not on a free transfer, has meant that with injuries there has been a lack of depth in the squad.

Rumours are starting up again that Wenger might be interested in the Paris Saint Germain job as well, with the manager being offered the opportunity to return to his native country and receive an almost limitless transfer budget.

Whether it is he who has refused to spend big in recent transfer windows or the Arsenal board would be a factor in whether he wants a move to PSG, but Conte is believed to be lined-up as a potential replacement if Wenger does indeed want a new challenge.