The long-serving Frenchman announced that he will leave at the end of the season, meaning the Gunners will have to find a new manager for the first time in over two decades.

Arsene Wenger’s decision to step down at the end of the season was a welcomed but shocking announcement to many upon its revealing on Friday morning. After 22 years in charge and several ups and downs, the long-serving Frenchman will finally vacate the managerial seat which he has become synonymous with.

The reaction has been an emotional rollercoaster ride on social media. Most supporters admit to being saddened by his upcoming departure and have thus taken the road down memory lane to relive their most cherished moments under Le Prof.

While nostalgia is acceptable, reminiscing the past is something the fans and the fans alone should do. The club should be focused on nothing else but the future and taking the necessary steps to secure their return to the top upon Arsene’s exit. 

The first and foremost measure is finding the 68-year-old’s ideal successor. Replacing a man who has been at the helm of a club since 1996 is no easy task, meaning making the wrong decision could see the Gunners deteriorate rather than improve in the upcoming seasons.

The likes of Luis Enrique, Brendan Rodgers, Patrick Vieira, Carlo Ancelotti, and Massimiliano Allegri have all been linked with the job. Each tactician has their own pros and cons, but what matters most is appointing someone who will best continue their traditions and values.

Arsenal fans will not want to find themselves in a similar position as the Man United faithful – conflicted with Mourinho’s pragmatic approach for a club that was once one of the most exciting teams in the world. Additionally, a team that has not changed bosses in over two decades must do without an unsettled boss like Chelsea’s Antonio Conte.

Regardless of who the Emirates Stadium board appoints, he must be given time and patience. Wenger may be leaving a legacy, but his current starting eleven is not part of it. While there are many talented names in the squad, the incoming man will have his work cut out for him to train them into a more cohesive unit and improve their defensive frailties.

And if Wenger’s successor wishes to go one step further and turn this team into a fearsome squad, mediocrity can no longer be tolerated. Average players who have been gifted with time and faith by Le Prof must slowly be phased out.

Upgrades on the likes of Xhaka, Mustafi, Iwobi, Welbeck, and the aging Petr Cech are needed. Replacing them in the starting lineup will add the extra advantage of increasing the squad depth, as no one would mind seeing those aforementioned names in cup games.

Finally comes advice for the Arsenal lovers. In an age where supporters enjoy platforms to express their disgruntled views not seen before, such as the now notorious Arsenal Fan TV, Gooners must exhibit realistic expectations or risk turning on the incoming man too soon if not treated to immediate success.

Winning the Premier League next season, while not impossible, will be very difficult. It should be noted that even the highly-regarded Pep Guardiola needed an entire season before he could perfect Man City, finishing in third in his debut season.

Similarly, Klopp arrived at Liverpool in 2015. Only now has he led the Reds to a Champions League semi-final, but he has still not mounted a substantial Premier League challenge. This just goes to show that time is key for a new coach to prove his worth.

The future holds a lot of mystery for Arsenal, but the Gunners should not fear the unknown. Wenger is an undeniable legend who may never be replicated. However, should the club take the right measures, they can say farewell to their irreplaceable time under Le Prof and begin a new, exciting, and successful chapter.