English Premier League club Arsenal is considering Bournemouth head coach Eddie Howe as a potential replacement for long-time manager Arsene Wenger when the latter's contract expires at the end of the season.
The 66-year-old Wenger is currently in his 20th season as Gunners boss and there were rumors that he could retire at this term's end. There are several candidates for the prestigious Arsenal head coaching job, but Howe is said to be "highly-regarded" by senior officials at the Emirates Stadium, as per The Sun.
The report said that Howe is "under serious consideration" to replace Wenger when the time comes and that his "name is being discussed in the corridors of power at the Emirates".
Howe, who turns 39 in November, has led the Cherries to the top of the Football League Championship last year to qualify to the Premier League in 2015-2016. He managed to keep Bournemouth in the English top flight without big-name players, placing 16th in the 20-team table, only five points above the relegation zone.
It was reported that Howe "has influential admirers" within the Gunners' executives "who like his diligent approach" similar to Wenger.
Owner Stan Kroenke had told Wenger that he could still extend his deal if he wants to, but many believe, including the club's ownership, that this could be the final season of the French mentor, who has an exceptional 57.2 percent win record in two decades with Arsenal.
"I'd rather (speculation about leaving) than people talking about the other alternative a manager has (the sack) but really this season is so new, we haven't won a game yet, we are three games in," said Howe, via the Daily Express.
He continued, though, that he remains loyal to Bournemouth until such offer really takes place.
"My only focus can be on trying to win the next game. My only focus can be on Bournemouth, every single minute of every single day, because if it is not then the team will suffer. I reiterate my commitment to Bournemouth again. I am very happy here," he said.
Howe, who is also a former Bournemouth player, returned for a second managerial stint with the Cherries in October 2012. His first stint was in 2008 as youth coach then caretaker manager when then boss Jimmy Quinn was sacked in December of that year.
"I believe I am a very loyal person to the people that I work for. I love the town, the club, the supporters and I want to see that association continue for as long as possible," Howe said. "(The comments) are meaningless. I don't need to hear it. I want to win games here, we want to climb the league."
"My only aim is success for Bournemouth," he ended.
