COMMENT: Gooners, what if the decision has already been made? What if, after 20 years, Arsene Wenger has already decided to clean out his desk at the end of this season?

On the continent, they're convinced it's job done. Wenger will go in June. The succession plan is well underway. But more on that later...

Let's flip this on it's head. Where, over the past few months, has Wenger indicated he's ready to continue next season? There's been nothing. Zilch. Not even the slightest of hints that he'll be in the dugout at Emirates for season 2017/18.

It was missed among the build up for Liverpool's showdown with Manchester City, but Wenger's presser wasn't exactly filled with the optimism of a New Year. Of new challenges. Of the promise of things to come.

Instead, Wenger lambasted the Premier League, declaring this season "disappointing on all levels". That more and more games are becoming ultra "defensive" and his peers "play not to lose", instead of trying to win. Not really the stuff of a happy camper.

And then there's Hector Bellerin's new deal. Fighting off the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona, Bellerin's commitment was celebrated by Wenger. And we heard from the player too. Indeed, for weeks. Yet, there was nothing from the fullback about Wenger. No word about wanting to continue the partnership with the manager. What they can achieve together with the Gunners. Nothing. Bellerin can be generous in interviews and if there's an opportunity to highlight a teammate or coach - he'll do so. But since putting pen to paper, for all the quotes and sound-bites credited to the Spaniard, there's been nothing about the manager and next season.

As mentioned, on the continent they're convinced Wenger will walk. Intermediaries have been sounding out potential successors for months - going right back to the end of last season.

In Barcelona, where Luis Enrique, like Wenger, is inside the final six months of his deal, they're adamant that he's been speaking with the Gunners since August.

No matter what happens, Enrique will leave his job at the end of this season. He and the locker room, where the relationship has always been tense, are in their last throes. Messi and co have agreed to give this season one last push - so long as Enrique moves on in June.

Arsenal's interest is obvious. A global profile. A winner. A coach whose football resembles that of Wenger's - but with a pragmatic edge. Enrique is an outstanding candidate.

And it would be an opportunity he'd embrace. A regular holidaymaker in Australia during his playing days, Enrique will be confident settling quickly at London Colney. But he's not the only one on the shortlist.

In Italy, Massimiliano Allegri is already jostling for position. Just a fortnight ago, Allegri and Juventus were on cruise control. Champions-elect before Christmas. Into the last 16 of the Champions League. Everything was perfect.

But then, from absolutely nowhere, stories broke in Turin and Milan that there was tension between Allegri and the players. That Allegri's job wasn't so secure. And a succession plan was being put in place inside the Juve boardroom. It was baffling.

That is, until we learned over the weekend that Allegri is pining for Wenger's job. He knows the score. His minders have learned from Arsenal's intermediaries. Wenger is ready to call it a day. The Gunners job is up for grabs. And Allegri, through Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport - all the way to Fleet Street - has made it known. He wants the gig.

Before Antonio Conte. Even before Walter Mazzarri. It was Allegri who, while between jobs, took time out to experience life in London and immerse himself in the local football culture. His ambition to work in the Premier League burned long before Andrea Agnelli was convinced by Beppe Marotta to offer him the Juve post.

And now's his chance. The Arsenal. A bigger budget than what he has at Juve - but without the expectations of instant success. He wasn't going to sit by the phone. Allegri had to act. With the Juve machine so in tune, it's understandable that the Gunners saw little chance of tempting him away. But Ivan Gazidis is under no illusions now: Allegri wants the job.

And then there's Ralph Hasenhuttl, the coach of Bundesliga trailblazers RB Leipizig. Where Enrique and Allegri have let their agents do the groundwork, Hasenhuttl simply let it all hang out, responding to a surprise Gunners link just weeks ago.

"It was a well-researched story. There was a lot of truth to it. I have heard of worse fates than succeeding the longest-serving manager in England. It's not damaging my reputation, is it?" he stated, with no hint of irony.

Three managers. Three candidates. And significantly, all in a job. Which is perhaps why Wenger has kept schtum.

Perhaps he isn't being coy. Perhaps the decision has been made and with his chosen successor still in work, it's better for all parties to maintain their silence until season's end?

But flip things over again. If he is to carry on next season. Why delay? There's plenty of reasons to maintain radio silence if he is to walk. But next to none if the opposite is true.

The succession plan at Arsenal does - appear - to be underway.