Arsenal may lose Wenger to France national team

Former Arsenal midfielder Remi Garde believes Gunners boss Arsene Wenger would be the ideal man to replace Laurent Blanc as France boss after Euro 2012.

Speculation about Blanc's future is rife, as some media outlets report his contract will not be renewed when it concludes this summer after the former Juventus and Manchester United defender fell out with senior figures at the French Football Federation.

Lyon coach Remi Garde, who played under Wenger at Arsenal, believes the 62-year-old would make a good national coach.

Wenger has also been linked to replace Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho who wants a return to the Premier League at the end of the season.

Blanc is contracted to the French FA until after Euro 2012 and some reports suggest that he may step down after the tournament.

"Wenger as the new national team coach? I believe that position would suit him well," Garde was quoted as saying by RMC.

"He knows European football very well, and also has good knowledge of world football and the French players because he follows the league closely.

"He would definitely be an interesting option in case Blanc leaves his position. He is a very big name in the world of football."

Wenger's name has already been mentioned among those candidates likely to be considered for the post should Blanc leave - and Garde believes he would be an ideal appointment to take France forward to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

When Blanc took over as France coach in 2010, Wenger stated his admiration for the 1998 World Cup winner, describing him as "brave" for trying to improve the "deteriorated level of confidence in French football".

France will face Estonia in their final warm-up match before taking on England in their first Euro 2012 Group D clash.

The French Football Federation confirmed Les Bleus will host the Baltic nation in Le Mans on Tuesday, June 5, less than a week before they go up against Fabio Capello's men on June 11 in Donetsk.

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