Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes that Rafa Benitez is the ideal man to take over from Arsene Wenger in the summer.

Benitez has done an amazing job at Newcastle this season. Their form since the New Year is particularly impressive.

Parlour feels the former Liverpool manager is the right choice to succeed Wenger.

The ex-Arsenal midfielder told talkSPORT: "What he has done for Newcastle this season is amazing.

"With not a lot of investment he's got them playing so well. They are out of trouble when it looked like they would be in a relegation battle, and now they are sitting really healthy in the league.

"He would be a great fit, but whether Arsenal want to go down that road…

"There are younger managers as well, and they may say 'let's give one of them an opportunity', or go for one of the more experienced ones; Luis Enrique is favourite, but I know Chelsea might be looking at him as well.

"So this board have got to make a big decision now, because I've always thought whoever replaces Arsene Wenger is going to have a hell of a job taking the club forward. It's not an easy job."