Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has tipped his ex-Gunners teammate Thierry Henry to succeed the pair's manager Arsene Wenger at the North London club when the latter retires.

The 65-year-old boss, who has won three Premier League titles in his 19 years at the club, is currently signed to a contract which is due to expire in May 2017.

Pires says that he would not be surprised to see his former club and France teammate Henry take over the reins at the Emirates Stadium when Wenger steps down, whether that is in 2017 or further in the future.

"Can I see Thierry Henry taking over from Arsene Wenger? Yes, why not?" Pires told Omnisport. "He is working on his badges.

"He is involved with the Under-19s team at Arsenal's academy, he is preparing himself step by step and he wants to get his badges.

"The question is, would Arsenal want Henry? It depends on the board, the chairman. I can see Henry, as well as [Patrick] Vieira. It is up to the club to prepare well for the post-Arsene era. That is crucial."

Wenger was named the Premier League Manager of the Month for October after four straight victories in the league saw the club move up to second.