The 49-year- old former Gunners defender has been coaching the Arsenal youth and reserve teams for the last 11 years.

And he is set to replace Pat Rice, due to retire, as ­assistant manager.

Under Bould’s guidance, stars such as Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere have come through the ranks.

And many of the current first team squad – including ­goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (below), Francis Coquelin and Johan Djourou – have been coached by Bould.

Bould is the only member of the old guard that Wenger ­inherited to be given a permanent coaching role within his set-up.

He knows the way Wenger wants the game to be played and is familiar with the type of player that the ­manager wants.

He also commands the respect of the players.

Bould has worked alongside Neil Banfield with the successful reserve and youth set-ups at Arsenal.

Wenger rates the pair highly and it could be that if Bould is promoted, then Banfield will be put in charge of the reserves to develop the talent for the future.