Bournemouth warn Arsenal off Eddie Howe: Our manager is going nowhere

REPLACEMENT: Howe was wanted by Arsenal to replace Wenger

Starsport revealed in July that Howe has been earmarked as the man to replace Arsene Wenger, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.

The Frenchman has admitted any decision on his future will based on Arsenal’s success this season.

But Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn insists Howe will not be turning his back on the Cherries if Wenger, 66, does decide to walk away after 21 seasons at Arsenal.

Mostyn said: “We have a man of immense talent and any man of talent, whatever business you are in, is always going to be sought after. We see that very much as a compliment.

“But Eddie is a Bournemouth boy through and through. He has been with the football club since he was 10.”

Howe, 38,  led the south coast side, along with money-spinner Mostyn, from almost extinction to the Premier League – before cementing their place last season.

Mostyn is convinced that Howe wants to see the project through to its conclusion at the Vitality Stadium, the smallest ground in the Premier League.

Mostyn added: “He wants to ensure that if and when he does move on he will leave a legacy that will ensure AFC Bournemouth are a Premier League side, not a side that is aspiring to retain its position every year.

“He has made it clear that over the next two or three years hopefully we can establish ourselves as a thoroughbred Premier League side and only then would he consider moving on.”