Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez admits that he would not be surprised if Rafael Benitez emerges as a candidate to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
The Spaniard pulled off a tactical masterclass last weekend when his Newcastle side outmaneuvered the Gunners in a 2-1 win at St. James’ Park.
The win more or less guaranteed Newcastle the prize of Premier League survival and Benitez’s tactical win over Wenger led to calls for the Spaniard to replace the Frenchman at Arsenal amongst some of the Gunners faithful.
And Perez has conceded that he would not be surprised if Benitez indeed is linked with the Arsenal job if Wenger is shown the door by the club at some point in the near future.
The Newcastle striker pointed towards the calibre of teams Benitez has managed in England and in Europe, but admits he would love to see him continue as Magpies manager.
relatedNewsStory
Asked about the possibility of Benitez replacing Wenger at Arsenal, Perez told Spanish daily AS: “It’s normal. We all know Rafa.
“The calibre of teams he has managed in England, I wouldn’t be surprised at all.
"Arsenal are big club in England and Rafa is a great coach. He has already been on the benches of teams of their calibre.
“But for me I want him to stay at Newcastle.
“We have been very happy under him as the team have improved a lot since his arrival.”
Benitez has been tipped to meet Newcastle owner Mike Ashley at the end of the season and seek assurances over transfer funds before agreeing to continue at the club.
