Arsene Wenger may be heading into the final season of his current contract at Arsenal, but CEO Ivan Gazidis suggested that the club wants the Frenchman to sign anew deal, while also hinting that he would be given significant funds to strengthen the squad this summer.
“We think we have got a fantastic manager,” Gazidis told reporters.“We hope that he wants to do what he is doing for the long term. I believe he does. I think he is still ambitious, still driven and sees the potential of the club as he looks forward and I thinkhe is very excited by that. We have a great relationship and he has a great relationship with the board as well. So, quietly and at the right time I think we will make an announcement on that whenthings are all put in place.”
The former MLS Deputy Commissioner added: “We think we have got a fantastic manager who has seen us through moving to a new stadium, which is for many clubs adifficult period, with consistency and so we think we have got the right person to make the kinds of choices and decisions that we are going to have over this really significant period of the club’sdevelopment.
“The critical thing now as we look ahead over the next season and the season after is our developing financial capability which will give us a lot more options than in recentyears.”
Arsenal Board in May: We have millions of pounds to spend this summer, if only Wenger would pull the trigger.Wenger in May: We’re definitely spending this summer, if only I can find high-caliber players we need.Wenger in June: *crickets*Wenger in July: *crickets*Wenger in August: Nope, couldn’t find any high-quality players at fire-sale prices, so I’ll buy a bunch of second tier players at the last minute that aren’t as good as the ones we’ve sold. Not to worry, we’ll still qualify for the Champions League!Arsenal fans: *crickets*Repeat.