Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone should be the favourite to replace Arsene Wenger once the Arsenal manager decides to step down, according to Ray Parlour.

Wenger will celebrate 20 years as Arsenal boss on 22 September, but is yet to decide whether to extend his deal at Arsenal beyond its expiry the end of the 2016/17 season.

The French coach fought off protests from Arsenal supporters towards the end of last season, with fans frustrated that the Gunners failed to mount a credible title challenge despite the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all struggling.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has been praised for his fine work at the Cherries despite his relative inexperience as a manager, with the 38-year-old guiding the club from League One to the Premier League in the second of two spells in charge of the south coast side.

But despite Howe's growing reputation, former Arsenal midfielder Parlour believes Simeone - who has won the Spanish title, Europa League and reached two Champions League finals with Atletico - is the right man to take over from Wenger.

Three-time Premier League title winner Parlour told talkSPORT: "Simeone, whether he would want to move from La Liga we don't know, but I'm sure he would like to test himself in the Premier League against the likes of [Pep] Guardiola, [Jose] Mourinho, [Jurgen] Klopp and managers like that.

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"He would be the favourite if it came to Arsenal changing the manager at the end of the season."

Regarding Howe's chances, Parlour added: "I don't think he would know enough about big foreign players to attract them.

"He is doing a wonderful job at Bournemouth and he could be a manager in the future for Arsenal, but I think it is a little bit too soon for him at the moment."