Ray Parlour tips Diego Simeone to take over from Arsene Wenger at Arsenal

Diego Simeone would be a good choice to take over at Arsenal when Arsene Wenger decides to walk away from the job, according to former Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour.

Simeone has led Atletico Madrid to one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey and has also steered the Spanish club to two Champions League finals in three years. He is under contract at the Vicente Calderon until 2020.

Wenger's contract with the Gunners expires next summer and the 66-year-old is yet to make a decision on his future.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has also been linked with the Arsenal job, but Parlour feels the 38-year-old Englishman lacks the experience needed to take over at the Emirates Stadium.

"He has certainly done a great job, but I just think it maybe a little bit too big for him at this time in his career," Parlour was quoted as saying by the Sun.

"I think he has to go to the next level after Bournemouth, maybe like an Everton, or someone like that who is going to be challenging for the top six.

"And then maybe move to the top four level, but Eddie has done nothing wrong and he is learning the game still and about players and systems and the way to play.

"Certainly in a few years' time, maybe he will be a good fit, but at the current time maybe a Simeone might be more suited to Arsenal when Arsene Wenger does call it a day."

Wenger said in August that his future at the club will be decided by this season's results.

He was criticised by fans for failing to adequately reinforce the squad after Arsenal lost their opening match of the season against Liverpool at the Emirates on 14 August.

The north London club have since signed Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi and Spanish forward Lucas Perez for a combined £52m ($70m).

The Gunners have not won the Premier League title since 2004.