Arsenal should ‘get on the phone’ to Luis Enrique as Paul Merson backs Arsene Wenger to take over at PSG

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has told his old club to ‘get on the phone’ to Barcelona boss Luis Enrique if Arsene Wenger leaves this summer.

The Gunners manager is under immense pressure following Arsenal’s 10-2 aggregate capitulation to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, with his contract set to expire this summer.

Standard Sport understands that a fresh two-year extension is in the offing, which would extend Wenger’s dynasty to 23 years should he sign it.

But Merson, who played under Wenger during the 1996-7 season, thinks that his old club should consider the Barcelona coach – who will available this summer after announcing that he will leave Camp Nou – as well as Everton boss Ronald Koeman.

“Arsenal need someone much more ruthless,” wrote Merson in the Daily Star. “Someone like Koeman. He’s got a mean streak and he doesn’t let his players get away with anything.

“I think he’d be a good fit and would take the job if they offered it to him. If not, they should get on the phone to Luis Enrique. He’s managed a world-class team full of world-class players.

“Straight away that brings respect. Something has to change because these players are doing my head in. It’s like they don’t care.”

Another protest against Wenger is expected ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Lincoln City after the midweek march before Bayern, and Merson expects his old boss to leave this summer – and head to PSG.

“I reckon he’ll get the PSG job now. After the way the French club went out of the Champions League to Barcelona, they’ll go back in for him.

“It’s probably the only really big job he’s going to get and he’ll take it. PSG have wanted him for a long time and won’t pass up the chance to get him now.

“But Arsenal need someone to come in who is going to sort these players out because they are weak. They have no pride. They showed that against Bayern Munich.

“It was embarrassing. It’s disgusting at the moment because these Arsenal players are a joke.”

Standard Sport understands that should PSG relieve Unai Emery from his post they will consider a move for Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine – who played for the Parisians between 2001 and 2003 - is on a list of potential managers should the Ligue 1 giants seek a change in leadership.