It looks as if Arsene Wenger's 22-year reign at Arsenal is nearing an end.

After a very impressive first decade at the club, where Wenger oversaw an unbeaten season and collected three Premier League titles, the following 12 years have not been as kind.

The Frenchman has added a couple of FA Cup titles to his resume, but constant failings in both the Premier League and the Champions League have infuriated fans of the club beyond breaking point.

Arsenal's last four games have all ended in defeat, and to make matters even worse, there have been multiple reports of players turning on each other in the dressing room.

As a result, it seems increasingly likely that this season will be Wenger's last.

THE FOUR-MAN-SHORTLIST TO REPLACE WENGER

A few weeks ago, almost immediately after Arsenal's dismal performance in the EFL Cup Final where they were humbled 3-0 by Manchester City, reports emerged suggesting that Arsenal chiefs had drawn up a four-man-shortlist of candidates they wanted to replace Wenger at the club.

The Daily Mail claimed that the four men being considered were Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, Monaco's Leonardo Jardim, Germany manager Joachim Low, and former Gunner Mikel Arteta.

However, no judgement had been made in who Arsenal chiefs were treating as their top target.

ARSENAL NOW HAVE A PREFERRED CANDIDATE

But a few weeks after that report emerged, it has now been suggested that Arsenal chiefs have decided on their primary candidate.

According to ESPN, whereas Jardim and Rodgers have their admirers at the Emirates, it is in fact Low that is their top target.

Low remains under contract with the German national football association and will be until the end of Euro 2020, but it is believed he could be tempted to take on a management role at club level following this summer's World Cup in Russia.

Low has been manager at Die Mannschaft since 2006, coming to the helm after the World Cup in Germany.

And he has enjoyed great success in his 12-year reign, reaching no worse than the semi-finals in the five major tournaments he has overseen, including Germany's triumph at the 2014 World Cup.

He also led his side to victory in the Confederations Cup last year.

Some may be concerned that he has not managed at club level since leaving his post at Austria Vienna in 2004, and eyebrows may also be raised at the fact he has never managed any of Europe's leading clubs.

However, it is believed Low possesses the experience and successful track record needed to take charge of a club of Arsenal's stature.

Low has certainly proven himself as a top manager, and Arsenal would do very well to replace Wenger with someone of his pedigree.