1 Roberto Mancini

Andy Gray claims former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini could be a surprise replacement for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

The Italian, who led the Blues to the Premier League title in 2012, is on the verge of leaving Turkish side Galatasary after suffering abuse from his OWN fans.

“I could go at any time. I’m not here to listen to people curse me,” he said.

And Gray claims, should Wenger leave the north London side, Mancini could be the man to fill his shoes.

“If Arsenal are looking for a successful manager from the continent, to add a little bit of steel, then I could understand the logic [of appointing Mancini],” he told talkSPORT. “He’s very experienced. He’s won the Serie A title and the Premier League, so he knows how to get that done.

“He’s a little more pragmatic in his style than Arsene, maybe that would make Arsenal better. It’s an interesting thought.”

Arsenal are currently fourth in the Premier League table but have in-form side Everton hot on their heels.

The Toffees are just six points behind the Gunners with a game in hand but former striker Gray believes Roberto Martinez’s side look set to miss out on a Champions League place for next season.

“Arsenal will just see Everton off [in the race for a Champions League spot],” he added. “Everton have got some tough games coming up and they have to win all of them.

“The six points [Arsenal hold over Everton] might just be enough of a buffer. Everton will go close but they might just miss out.”