MIK OUT TO EASE TENSION
MIKEL ARTETA says it is his challenge to get Arsenal’s raging fans back in the stadium and back on side.
Around 1,000 angry supporters descended on the Emirates on Friday night ahead of the clash with Everton to protest against Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s ownership.
Tensions reached boiling point last week when it was announced that the Gunners were one of the six clubs from England who had signed up to join the European Super League.
The backlash prompted Arsenalsupporting billionaire Daniel Ek, the co-founder of Spotify, to tweet on Friday night: “As a kid growing up, I’ve cheered for Arsenal as long as I can remember. If KSE would like to sell Arsenal I’d be happy to throw my hat in the ring.”
Director Josh Kroenke, however, has told fans his family have no intention of selling the club, and manager Arteta believes that puts the onus on him and his players to rebuild the fractious relationship.
Coach Arteta (right), whose side lost 1-0 to Carlo Ancelotti’s men, said: “It’s a relationship that has to come together from both parties.
“I love the fans, I felt them in the stadium when I played and as a manager, only for a month-and-a-half.
“That’s why I said I’m desperate to have them back. We really need them.
“We have a really young team that has to experience the emotion and the security and trust it brings when you feel your people behind you.
“That’s something we have to experience to understand, the difference it makes when you are playing at home.”
Bernd Leno’s blunder cost Arsenal on Friday night, and Arteta accepts even Europa League qualification is unlikely now.
He added: “It’s becoming very difficult mathematically to achieve.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal and West Ham are considering a move for Fulham loan star Joachim Andersen.
The Gunners have yet to agree a new deal with David Luiz, who is out of contract in the summer, and are studying their options.
The Hammers are looking to add to their squad in preparation for what they hope will be a Champions
League campaign.
Lyon are expected to cash in on Anderson, with the player also keen to stay in the Premier League.