COMMENT: Nobody knows quite how it'll end for Arsène Wenger as Arsenal manager, but what we all expect is that it will come sometime soon.
At 66-years-old, the Frenchman's current contract will see him manage the club until the end of the 2016/2017 season, five months shy of his 68th birthday.
All indications seem to suggest that we're deep into the process of preparing for life after Wenger, with the current boss being central to plans. On more than one occasion, the necessity to leave the team in pristine condition has come across as paramount for Wenger, the board and the fans, aiming to avoid a replica of Manchester United's transition from the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
With a fine blend of relatively young prospects and players in peak form, Wenger could well be ready for the inevitable managerial switch over. In fact, numerous calls have already been made from segments of the club's fan base for Wenger to retire should he clinch the league title this season – to go out on a high.
Much of the decision-making will come down to who is available as and when Wenger decides to call it a day, therefore it's important to evaluate all potential candidates.
Carlo Ancelotti is undoubtedly a name that would have entered discussion had he not been plucked by Bayern Munich for the start of next season. Jürgen Klopp's name had long been associated with Arsenal during his days at Borussia Dortmund, but he too has been crossed off the list after joining Liverpool.
Some may find that Diego Simeone should be Arsenal's number one priority - a successful, young manager in command of La Liga underdogs Atlético Madrid. But as talented as Simeone may be, is his style compatible with Arsenal's?
Perhaps Arsenal should place their faith in a younger, less established manager who is capable of initiating an era of his own, just as Wenger once did. Names like Dennis Bergkamp or Roberto Martinez spring to mind, but appointing a manager of that calibre would represent a huge gamble in this day and age.
Of course there was Pep Guardiola, arguably the best, but also the most coveted manager on the planet. The Spaniard has now, unfortunately for most, been confirmed as the new Manchester City manager as of next season. Manuel Pellegrini could have won the Premier League, Champions League, World Cup, the Nobel Peace Prize - nothing would've saved him from being replaced by Guardiola.
I'm a hopeless romantic, and after Guardiola revealed earlier this year that he may have to wait until the end of next season before managing in the Premier League, coinciding with Wenger's contract expiry, you couldn't blame me for dreaming.
From his ethos to the manner in which he develops young players, it is Guardiola who replicates Wenger's functions best. As a man who has proven to be equally as innovative as Wenger, perhaps even more so tactically, Guardiola could have provided Arsenal with the push it needed to not only achieve success, but also maintain it both on the domestic and continental stage.
But even if Arsenal had gotten their hands on the current Bayern Munich boss, one would have to think for how long he'd be in our possession. Guardiola spent no more than four years in a trophy-laden spell with Barcelona, whereas his tenure with the Bavarians will only last three seasons. It's plausible to think Guardiola's next adventure in the Premier League won't last much longer, a deep contrast to what Arsenal fans have become accustomed to.
One would imagine 'Le Professeur' is timing his retirement with the availability of a manager who has most of his best traits, and beyond the philosophy, Wenger and the board will surely be looking for continued commitment and stability.
Recent history tells us that we wouldn't have acquired that from Guardiola, or any other current top manager, so Arsenal are likely to be left with two options. Firstly, they can accept the nuances of the modern game (that managers take on duties at clubs as assignments rather than career eclipsing projects) and prepare for a potential candidate to takeover for a few years.
Secondly, they could hold off the execution of such plan and Wenger remains at the helm beyond the summer of 2017. We've been inundated with examples of Wenger's love for the club, a man who could have easily followed his best players out of North London to the biggest and wealthiest clubs in the world. He didn't because, just like the fans, he loves the club. If Wenger still feels he has something to give, I find it difficult to believe that the board would let him go and face the prospect of hopping from manager to manager. Much like Wenger's assessment in buying players, I don't expect Arsenal to hire a new manager until it has been made abundantly clear that they are making the best decision possible for the club.
Guardiola's arrival in the Premier League is sure to make the 'Citizens' the hot favourites for the 2016/2017 league title, and should Arsenal fail to win the league this year and thicken their fans' craving for the coveted trophy, a new manager going up against the Catalan is hardly the scenario Wenger and the club will have in mind for the inevitable transition.
The last thing Arsenal want is to have their own version of the David Moyes era at Man United in front of them, even more so when surrounded by top managers in the upper echelons of the league table, so the club's next step is one that should be taken with greatest of care. There will be a list of requisites and, currently, I'm not so sure there are any standout candidates capable of bettering what Arsenal already has. That scenario could change with time, but until then, it may well be that the Wenger era goes on for a little longer than we envisioned it to.
Patrick is a member of The Gooner Ramble Podcast. For more from the guys, check out their website and also follow them on Twitter: @GoonerRamblePod