Guardiola would be perfect for Arsenal, claims former Barcelona defender Marquez

The New York Red Bulls centre-back believes that his old coach, with whom he worked at the Spanish giants for two seasons, will next manage a club in the Premier League

Former Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez believes Pep Guardiola would be the "perfect" manager for Arsenal.

The 33-year-old played under the Spanish coach at Camp Nou for two seasons before his move to MLS side New York Red Bulls in August 2010.

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Guardiola has been linked with a host of top European sides following his departure from Barcelona at the end of last season, while Goal.com exclusively revealed in September that Sir Alex Ferguson has earmarked the 41-year-old as one of two candidates to succeed him at Manchester United, with the other potential appointment being Jose Mourinho.

But Marquez claims that the ex-Barca man would be a better replacement for Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium and expects that the Spaniard's next managerial role will be in the Premier League.

"Guardiola will soon return to the game. I think he'll go to England. He'd be perfect for Arsenal," Marquez told Cadena SER.