I’m happy to stay
Frenchman set to remain at Arsenal but wants the board’s full backing
LONDON: Arsene Wenger will win his boardroom war and stay at Arsenal.
But the boss, fresh from a record seventh English FA Cup win, wants the club dissenters to cave in to his demands.
The Frenchman, 67, held positive discussions with Stan Kroenke after Saturday’s Wembley win.
But Wenger now wants the unequivocal support of the Gunners board at a meeting today to confirm his future before committing to the twoyear deal on the table.
He said: “The board has to decide who will lead the club in the future.
“And after they decide if they want me, do I say yes or no?”
Wenger has grown increasingly frustrated by internal criticism.
Major shareholder Kroenke is on Wenger’s side – but the Frenchman pointed to the 2-1 Wembley win over Chelsea to demand a show of faith.
He said: “I am committed to giving everything to stay.
“The best presentation is to watch the game, then there can be no doubt.”
Emirates insiders were considering Wenger’s successor if he walked away this summer – Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri.
That has caused deep divisions within the camp and Wenger wants to be sure he has full boardroom support before committing his future to the club he took over in 1996.
He added: “It’s not about popularity, it’s about competence.
“I worked until the last day of my contract. That is now, basically.”
The Arsenal players expect Wenger to confirm he will be staying on.