Does anyone else get the feeling that Arsene Wenger’s future has already been decided, that all parties know it, and we are just seeing the last few acts play out?
There was strong rumors coming out of the Arsenal camp during the Gunners USA tour last summer, that this would be Arsene Wenger’s last season in charge of the club.
Nothing over the last nine months has changed my opinion. The latest waltz came on Sunday afternoon when Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis told a supporters’ meeting that Wenger has not yet signed a contract extension, and that any decision will be “mutual”, while stating that the manager must become a “catalyst for change” for the club if he does stay.
Gazidis said that Wenger has told the board how he is willing to “reinvent” himself and, while the likelihood is that he will stay, Gazidis did say to fans that it naturally becomes a “different conversation” if the season ends badly. There is an understanding for fan unrest, as well as an acknowledgement that mutual agreement will be more difficult if the current poor run continues.
Whether Wenger stays or leaves, it promises to be a season of change at the Emirates. On the playing side the club will likely lose star striker Alexis Sanchez while the likes of Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs also out of contract next summer and could be sold. Aaron Ramsey could go if there is a big offer, as could Mesut Özil.