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Steve Bould is in line to succeed Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager.

Bould was one of the key backroom team who, like Wenger, signed new three-year contracts last week.

The 51-year-old was chosen by Wenger to be his assistant two years ago when Pat Rice retired.

Wenger appointed Bould as the Gunners' youth team coach in 2001 after the former central defender gained his UEFA coaching badges.

He progressed to taking the Premier Youth Academy squad and led them to the title in 2009 and 2010. Under Bould, Arsenal also won the FA Youth Cup in 2009.

Wenger was hugely impressed with Bould’s work and had no hesitation in promoting to him to first-team duties.

Now there is a growing belief inside Arsenal that Bould is being prepared for a tilt at management.

With three more years’ experience in the No.2 role, it is hoped he will be ready to take over, should Wenger decide to retire in 2017.

“Steve and Arsene have a great working relationship,” said a club source. “He communicates well and there is a lot respect for him.”