Martin Keown wholeheartedly believes Arsene Wenger WILL sign a new deal to remain in charge of Arsenal despite being out of the title race.
The Gunners are now 12 points adrift of Chelsea after losing 3-1 to the table toppers yesterday at Stamford Bridge, and some sections of the Arsenal faithful want the Frenchman to resign at the end of the season to bring in a new era at the club.
However, former Arsenal defender turned pundit Keown insists Wenger won’t be going anywhere just yet.
Keown told BT Sport (via The Sun):
“That might be a tricky one but if you look at it I think Arsene Wenger will decide when he leaves the club.
“I believe he manages up and down within the club. They are going to want a run-up to a succession plan for a new manager and that will mean Arsene Wenger signing a new deal.
“I’m not sure if that sits completely well with the fans. But if you look at other situations, Manchester United losing Sir Alex Ferguson shows what can happen.
“I believe he will sign a new contract. It’s just really the announcement and when is the right time to make that announcement.”
With the title almost certainly out of Arsenal’s grasps, it means it will now be 13 years without the club lifting the Premier League trophy, which is simply not acceptable.
Fans are divided on Wenger staying on as manager, with those for claiming he is still the right man for the job, while those against believe his time has run out and want a different approach.
If he signs a new deal or not, there will be some disgruntled fans either way. Wenger has previously said that he will decide his future in spring, so it’s not too long to wait now to see what he does.