Claude Puel – who played under Arsene Wenger at Monaco – believes it will take years for Arsenal to recover from the 68-year-old’s exit.

Leicester City manager Puel warned that Arsenal face a difficult period as they prepare to say farewell to long-serving boss Arsene Wenger.

There will be a new face on the sidelines next season for the first time since 1996, with Wenger’s 22-year tenure set to end against Huddersfield Town on Sunday.

The likes of Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri, Carlo Ancelotti, Liverpool assistant Zeljko Buvac, Luis Enrique, Joachim Low, Patrick Vieira, Mikel Arteta, Thierry Henry, Leonardo Jardim and Julian Nagelsmann have emerged as candidates to succeed the three-time Premier League winner.

But fellow Frenchman Puel believes it will take years for Arsenal to recover from Wenger’s departure.

‘He is a great loss for Arsenal,’ Puel said of Arsenal’s visit on Wednesday.

‘After a few years, they can come back at a good level. But it is difficult when a club have had success like this and must replace the manager and sometimes replace valuable or great players.

‘It will be difficult for the new manager. Perhaps the new manager or great managers will like different options or possibilities.

‘I hope the fans and club do not regret their choice, because he has had a massive impact as manager of Arsenal for 22 years.

‘How can you replace him? It is always tough — like after Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United [whose second place this season is their best since Fergie retired five years ago].’

The Gunners will travel to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City in the Premier League on Wednesday night, with kick-off at 8:45 pm.