Arsenal could appoint new manager TONIGHT as Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis calls an emergency press conference

ARSENAL could name their new boss TONIGHT after Ivan Gazidis called an urgent press conference.

Arsene Wenger shocked Gunners fans by today announcing that he will leave the club after 22 years in charge.

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Chief exec Gazidis has called a press conference at The Emirates for 5pm today.

Wenger had been expected to handpick his successor until the club made key appointments this season.

Head of football relations Raul Sanllehi and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat have come in to diminish Wenger's control at the club.

And Sanllehi, Mislintat and Gazidis are all believed to be leaning towards different candidates.

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Club legend Patrick Vieira, 41, has emerged as a contender for the role and has two years experience as a frontline boss after taking over MLS side New York City in 2016.

And Wenger yesterday tipped Vieira to succeed him. The departing boss said:  "He’s a guy who has the potential one day, yes.

"I’ve followed his managerial career. I think he does very well. But overall, after that, this Premier League is special, you know. You have to come in.

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"There are plenty of former players who played here who have potential and the intelligence and the knowledge to do it."

The  report that Sanllehi would like to put former Barcelona colleague Enrique in charge, but that his wage demands – which are in excess of £10million a year – could put off Arsenal and fellow suitors Chelsea.

Former Dortmund spotter Mislintat is said to be keen on raiding Germany to find the Gunners' next manager.

Mislintat was pictured in the stands for Schalke's 2-0 win over Dortmund on Sunday, with victorious boss Domenico Tedesco under the microscope.

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Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann, 30 and two years younger than Tedesco, is also in the Mislintat's sights.

Both are considered among the best young coaches in Europe, with Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta also in that bracket.

The ex-Gunners midfielder has assisted Pep Guardiola side in their title-winning season and is said to be another rated by fellow Spaniard Sanllehi.

Brendan Rodgers is also among the bookies' early favourites for the job, along with ex-Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, Germany manager Joachim Loew, Juventus chief Max Allaegri and former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.