According to former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas, Arsenal should target Ronald Koeman as Arsène Wenger’s successor when the Frenchman’s time at the helm eventually draws to a close.

Koeman has credible Premier League experience with Southampton and current side Everton, where he was appointed their new manager back in the summer. The Toffees had underperformed over the past two seasons with Roberto Martinez in charge but have taken significant steps in the right direction with Koeman aiming to help players achieve their full potential.

From their opening five matches, they’ve notched four wins and a draw – sitting two points behind pacesetters Manchester City. A lot of the plaudits have deservedly gone to Koeman for the way he’s improved the side and Nicholas has publicly stated his belief that the Dutchman should take over from Wenger when Arsène eventually steps down.

As quoted by Sky Sports, Nicholas said the following:

“There’s a shrewdness about Koeman – he doesn’t complicate himself. Once he’s made his decision it’s all in. I just love his whole approach.

Koeman (pictured, centre) shouting instructions from the touchline during Everton's 3-1 win over Middlesbrough at Goodison Park on Saturday evening. | Photo: Anthony Devlin / Getty Images
Koeman (pictured, centre) shouting instructions from the touchline during Everton’s 3-1 win over Middlesbrough at Goodison Park on Saturday evening. | Photo: Anthony Devlin / Getty Images

“I’ve said it before – if I was Arsenal and [Arsene] Wenger is ready to go, he would be the number one target for me.”

Koeman has three years on his existing contract at Goodison and it seems increasingly likely that Wenger will remain as Arsenal boss for at least another season or two, unless something drastic happens before the end of the season.

Whether we should target him as Wenger’s successor or not though, is a completely different matter.

It would make sense given the fact that he’s one of very few managers that has proven his credentials in a number of different European leagues and having acclimatised to life in England well with a Southampton side everyone expected to struggle, it suggests he could do wonders with an ever better side in terms of player quality.

It could come down to how well he does with Everton, as other European clubs would potentially be interested in appointing him as manager – including Barcelona following his six-year spell in Spain.