Allegri could have “special” Guardiola-esque impact at Arsenal, says Mario Lemina

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Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina believes Massimiliano Allegri could replicate the impact of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City if he takes over at Arsenal in the summer. 

Arsene Wenger will end a 22-year association with the north London club when he departs at the end of the season, and speculation surrounding the Frenchman’s potential successor has been intense since the announcement.

Lemina – who worked under Allegri during his time in Turin – has praised the tactical genius of the Italian, and he further backs the current Juve manager to thrive in the Premier League should he join the Gunners.

Lemina believes his former manager could have a similar influence in north London to the impact Guardiola is having in the north west of England and Conte had in west London.

Talking to Sky Sports, he said: “He will give something special to the Premier League like Pep Guardiola [Manchester City] did, and Antonio Conte [Chelsea] did as well.

“Because he is Italian he will give something special because he is more tactical. I think he would be very good for Arsenal if he goes.”

Conte guided Chelsea to Premier League success last season, while this campaign Guardiola clinched the title in emphatic fashion, with his side now on course to break the record for most goals scored in a single Premier League campaign.

For Allegri, this season the Old Lady fell short in the Champions League – losing out to finalists Real Madrid in the quarter-final – though another Serie A title looks on the cards after favourable results over the weekend.

They also face AC Milan next week in the Coppa Italia, with Allegri looking to secure a domestic double.

Should Allegri sign for Arsenal, then he may have to endure his first season without Champions League football.

The Gunners are out of contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League, so the Europa League remains their only hope of qualifying for the competition next season.

Arsenal travel to the Wanda Metropolitano on Thursday night to take on Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final clash, with the scoreline currently locked at 1-1 on aggregate.