Tuchel tipped to replace Wenger, Vieira fancied, Celtic boss Rodgers is third favourite

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel has been touted as the early favourite to replace Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager.

BetVictor have installed Tuchel as their 9/4 favourite, while former Gunners star Patrick Vieira and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers are second and third favourite respectively.

Wenger will leave the club at the end of the season after 22 years in charge.

BetVictor spokesperson Charlie McCann: “We have been betting on the market for some time now and the former Borussia Dortmund manager Tuchel has been always near the head of the market.

“Tuchel has been recently linked with PSG but he has been backed from 4/1 into 9/4 since the news broke that the Frenchman would leave the Emirates in the summer after a magnificent 22 years in charge of the Gunners.”

Next permanent Arsenal manager: prices from BetVictor

Thomas Tuchel 9/4 (from 4s)
Patrick Vieira 5/1 (from 16s)
Brendan Rodgers 5/1 (from 16s)
Carlo Ancelotti 8/1 (from 9/2)
Joachim Low 8/1 (from 7s)
Massimilano Allegri 14/1

16s Bar

Wenger, whose contract had another year to run, issued a statement on Friday morning announcing his departure.

The statement read: “After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season.

“I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity.

“I want to thank the staff, the players, the directors and the fans who make this club so special. I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high.

“To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club. My love and support forever.”

Arsenal say they will appoint a successor as soon as possible.

Wenger, 68, has won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including the Double in 1998 and 2002.

But he has faced growing opposition from fans in recent years, with many calling for him to be replaced.

Arsenal are currently sixth in the table and are set to miss out on the Champions League for the second season running.