Arsenal eye 30-year-old Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann to replace under pressure Arsene Wenger

ARSENAL have lined up Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann to replace Arsene Wenger, according to reports.

The Bundesliga gaffer is one of the hottest managerial prospects in the game despite only turning 30 last summer.

Wenger is under heavy fire from supporters and the board following their side's humiliating 3-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City last Sunday.

It led to club captain Per Mertesacker calling the Arsenal players in for a crisis meeting over the attitude and performances of some of his team-mates.

And despite having a year left on his current contract, it is believed the Arsenal hierarchy are preparing to end Wenger's 21-year reign at the end of the season.

The likes of Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, Germany's Joachim Low and Carlo Ancelotti are thought to be on the shortlist to take over at the Emirates. 

But according to the Star, Gunners' Head of Recruitment Sven Mislintat is pushing for the club to go for Nagelsmann.

Hoffenheim's rise under the talented manager has been dramatic having been appointed at the age of 28.

Nagelsmann took them over in the middle of a relegation battle but won seven out his last 14 games to remain in the Bundesliga.

And the following season they finished fourth, hugely exceeding expectations to qualify for the Champions League.

Wenger's future could be further under scrutiny if they lose at home to Manchester City on Thursday.