Arsene Wenger has decided that he wants to stay at Arsenal beyond the expiration of his current contract, according to widespread reports.
Wenger’s future at the Emirates Stadium is under considerable scrutiny, __with the Gunners now languishing in sixth place in the Premier League table after a poor 3-1 defeat to West Brom on Saturday.
That left the Frenchman as our early loser, and it was expected that this weekend could prove crucial in terms of his future.
A plane flew over The Hawthorns calling for Wenger to be removed as manager, and although another plane bore a message of support, it is clear that the number of supporters disillusioned __with a manager who was appointed in 1996 is ever-growing.
His contract with the club expires in the summer, and it is believed that the club have offered him a two-year contract to stay. Wenger teased fans over his future on Saturday, stating that he has made his decision.
According to the Daily Mirror, Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph, the Frenchman has decided that he wants to remain as manager.
John Cross of the Mirror reports that talks will now be held at boardroom level, because ‘any decision would have to be a “mutual” one’.
The Mail’s Sami Mokbel adds that Wenger ‘is still not ruling out leaving’, with the club six points off fourth place, in danger of not qualifying for the Champions League, and with the FA Cup their only hope of silverware.
It is also stated that there ‘remains a willingness’ from certain members of the club’s hierarchy for the manager to stay.
Mokbel writes:
‘Sources claim the club’s current plight has only served to strengthen Wenger’s resolve to sign a new contract.
Staff at the club’s London Colney HQ noticed a positive change in Wenger’s mood last week, viewed as a indication that the Frenchman has finally made a decision about his future.’
It is claimed that Wenger retains the support of ‘most of his players’, and that the potential of a rolling 12-month contract has been explored.