Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hinted Steve Bould is the man he wants to succeed the retiring Pat Rice as his new assistant manager.

Former Arsenal centre half Bould, who is renowned as a no-nonsense coach and had a tough reputation as part of George Graham's famous back four, will be a popular choice to step up among fans and also from within the club.

Wenger said: "It will be decided very very soon and I will decide after that. It looks like he (Rice) could stop, but it is not official yet. Pat is fantastic. He works every day hard and never speaks to the Press - fantastic!

"It is possible (Bould will get the job). Everywhere I go I keep somebody who knows the club and worked inside the club, so it is a possibility."