Although poised to celebrate 20 years in charge of Arsenal on Saturday, Arsene Wenger has been strongly linked to the vacant England manager’s position.

The Frenchman, whose career is winding down to its inevitable conclusion, could be tempted by the prospect of an international before he eventually retires, according to the manager’s former Monaco assistant Jean Petit.

The pair won the Ligue 1 title together at the club in 1987 and the  ex-France international Petit now believes Wenger would consider the post departed by Sam Allardyce as an option

‘I think he would be interested if Didier [Deschamps] quits [as France manager],’ Petit told Omnisport.

‘He could go to Germany because he speaks German fluently. Bayern Munich wanted him [when he was at Monaco]. He has a name. All the clubs in Germany, England or France with PSG would want him.’

Petit does not believe there is any reason Wenger would rule out the Three Lions post but has acknowledged Arsenal could be reluctant to part with their experienced coach.

‘Maybe the French team. But he could also manage the English national team – who knows – to finish [his career] with a national team. It could interest him. At Arsenal, if he is still there, it’s because Arsenal are afraid to let him leave more than him fearing to leave Arsenal,’ he concluded.

Arsenal are in action on Sunday when they take on Burnley at Turf Moor.

The match gets underway from 17:30.