We’ve just entered December and there is still no sign of Arsene Wenger extending his stay at Arsenal.
The Frenchman saw his side crash out of the EFL Cup last night to Southampton in the quarter-final stage, which left many asking if that was his last shot of ever winning the League Cup, having failed to do so since his arrival 20 years ago.
Wenger’s contract is up at the end of the season, but the Frenchman has given no indication whether he will remain in charge of the Gunners beyond next summer, which has led to the north London club reportedly seeking out potential replacements (Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe and RB Leipzig’s Ralph Hasenhuttl have been linked).
Despite a good start to the season, Arsenal fans remain split on whether the Frenchman is still the right man to take the club to the next level.
In his last 10 years in charge of the Gunners, Wenger has always managed to finish in the top four and clinch Champions League qualification and won two FA Cups. He hasn’t come anywhere near winning the Premier League title, something he hasn’t done since the ‘Invincibles’ days back in the 2004. It’s fair to say, the Emirates faithful are craving the Premier League title most, but Wenger hasn’t managed to deliver – many will be hoping he can end the drought this season.
Arsenal missed out on the opportunity to potentially sign Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, and stuck with Wenger. However, with only seven months left on his deal, should the Arsenal board finally decide to take a new approach at the end of the season, or offer Wenger an extension to remain in charge?
It’s always been said that if Wenger wants to continue his role at Arsenal then the board will allow him to do so. But there comes a time where a fresh approach is needed, and perhaps that time is finally drawing near. Don’t get me wrong, Wenger has done a brilliant job since his arrival back in 96’ and taking the club to new heights by forging some of Arsenal’s greatest sides and of course moving the club to the Emirates. However, with not Premier League title in the past 12 years or so, and only two FA Cups to add to the trophy cabinet in the same amount of time, I don’t believe he can take the club any further. Yes, he can almost guarantee us Champions League football, but the fans want trophies more than anything, not just being a top four side with a load of cash and who do nothing in Europe.
I only hope that the board and Mr. Wenger himself do the right thing for the club and its loyal fans and not just think about lining their own pockets.
