Martin Keown has claimed that Arsene Wenger needs decide on his future as soon as possible, before it hampers Arsenal’s preparations for the new season.
The Gunners are overshadowed by a huge cloud of doubt at present, with the manager’s future, as well as key players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil’s futures up in the air. Their top-four hopes are also ropey, and his decision would no doubt take some of the distraction away from the players on the pitch.
Wenger is out of contract in a month, but is believed to have been offered a new two-year deal, and has so far failed to confirm whether he intends to stay or not.
He had previously claimed that a decision would be announced ‘soon’, with many expecting the decision before May, but we are here now, and there appears to be no imminent announcement planned as of yet.
Keown has now urged him to announce his decision, saying: “The very first thing they need to do is work out who is in charge — and as soon as possible.
“Arsene Wenger is an outstanding manager but his standout quality has been wiped away.
“He creates a feelgood factor around the club and maps out the future for each player.
“With Wenger’s own future unsure, that creates uncertainty among the players and it is no coincidence that Arsenal’s Premier League form has suffered.”
He then added which type of player needs to be prioritised come post-season, saying: “On the pitch, they need to sign one of Europe’s best midfield players.
“Granit Xhaka is improving but he is not putting fear into the Premier League’s top teams.
“Arsenal need a player who can dictate the play. They have felt the loss of Santi Cazorla greatly and it has massively affected the group.”
Is a midfielder more important than a top striking addition? Could Wenger’s delayed decision mess up our transfer plans?
Pat J