Arsenal have been linked with an approach for Everton’s Ronald Koeman, should Arsène Wenger leave at the end of the season.

The 53-year-old has also been linked with a return to Barcelona, following Luis Enrique’s impending departure from the Spanish giants.

However, it has been reported that the Arsenal hierarchy are impressed by Koeman’s progress in the Premier League and see him as a ‘perfect’ replacement for Wenger. Having developed and maintained consistency during his spell at Southampton, he earned a move to Goodison last summer.

Since his arrival on Merseyside, the Toffees have looked a team rejuvenated under new management with fresh expertise. 14 points above his former employers on the south Coast, Everton could still potentially qualify for European competition next season too.

Koeman’s coaching style seems to have got the best out of key players including Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, both of whom are integral to Everton’s future plans for success.

Lukaku (L and R) have proven pivotal to Everton's success in recent seasons
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Romelu Lukaku (L) and Ross Barkley (R) celebrate during the Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on March 11, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)

Koeman’s past and possible future

Koeman has already worked in a number of high-profile jobs prior to top-flight football in England. He played for Barcelona for six years before becoming an assistant (1998-2000) almost two decades ago now. Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord are all prestigious clubs in their own right.

If he made public his intentions for a return to Spain, he’d receive a hero’s welcome from the Barcelona supporters. In the same respect, he’s only been at Everton for nine months and may feel he has unfinished business there. The team he inherited has plenty of potential to succeed and his current contract runs in June 2019.

Arsenal are a bigger club in comparison but there would inevitably be so much pressure with his arrival.

As a result, it’s unlikely he’d move again so soon unless Barcelona came calling once more.

Also, Arsene Wenger probably won’t go anywhere, anyway.