Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has hailed Arsene Wenger as "a football legend" ahead of the Frenchman's departure as Arsenal manager later this month.

Wenger will now officially bow out of the club following the May 13 clash with Huddersfield Town, having missed out on the chance to reach the Europa League final.

Saul admires the long-serving Gunners boss for all he has achieved in North London, but has suggested that Arsenal must change their style of play if they are to seriously challenge for major honours.

"It's a shame. He's a gentleman, he has done amazing things at Arsenal," Saul told reporters. "He's a football legend.

"Arsenal put us in difficulty in the tie, they're a team who play really good football. But, in football these days, just playing well isn't enough to win."

Atletico defeated Arsenal 2-1 on aggregate in their Europa League semi-final tie and will face Marseille in the final on May 16.