Arsenal legend Charlie Nicholas has called for Arsene Wenger to return to the club.
The Gunners have endured a difficult season so far under Mikel Arteta, still sitting in the bottom half of the table despite a recent resurgence which has seen them win three league games on the bounce.
Arteta came under intense pressure following the poor start to the season but he seems to be sitting more comfortably after managing to turn the tide in the last couple of weeks.
But even so, Gunners favourite turned pundit Nicholas has called for the return of Wenger, though it seems he is hinting at the Frenchman to return in some sort of director of football role.
"I suggested about two years ago they should bring Arsene Wenger back to Arsenal," Nicholas told Paddy Power's 'From the Horse's Mouth' podcast.
"When Wenger and David Dein were a partnership that was bringing in Thierry Henrys and Patrick Vieiras, it was a partnership that the manager wanted.
"Their relationship worked an absolute treat. Wenger was probably too intelligent for football and wanted to have a say in the finances of it too, and Dein would say, 'If we can afford it, we’re just going to get you the player'. It worked so well. And I’d still take him back now."
Nicholas claims Wenger's return would not threaten Arteta's role, despite the reputation the 71-year-old built up over the course of his 22 years at the club.
"He’d not be a threat to Arteta, he’d be there to help him. He’s a genuine Arsenal fan, and because of that he’ll show the leadership and understanding the club needs," Nicholas added.
"If Arsene was to call or turn up to meet a player from Atletico Madrid or Barcelona or Real Madrid, I think there’s a strong chance he’d help get those deals over the line because of his presence and his reputation.
"I still think he could play a marvellous part in teaching Arteta the real rules of the management game.
"Of course, he made a lot of mistakes, and Emery and Arteta have inherited some bad signings he made, but Alex Ferguson made some mistakes too. He’s still the best ever. It happens, but what Wenger created we have to respect."
