Yahoo News Arsene Wenger 'best man to win the Premier League' as Frenchman pens two-year Arsenal extension
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has agreed a new two-year contract, extending his 21-year reign at the club.
Wenger and club owner Stan Kroenke met on Monday to determine the Frenchman’s future, with the decision relayed to directors at a Tuesday board meeting.
Announcing the news today (Wednesday), majority owner Stan Kroenke said: “Our ambition is to win the Premier League and other major trophies in Europe.
We can confirm that the club has agreed a new contract with Arsène Wenger https://t.co/YZcmNufFrS
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 31, 2017
“It’s what the fans, players, staff, manager and board expect and we won’t rest until that is achieved.
“Arsène is the best person to help us make that happen. He has a fantastic track record and has our full backing.”
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The Gunners were fifth in the Premier League this season, the first time they have finished outside the top four since the Frenchman joined in 1996.
They beat Chelsea to win the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday, Wenger’s seventh success in the competition – and he has also won three Premier League titles.
Wenger’s contract was set to finish at the end of the current campaign.
Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis claimed they conducted a full review to identify areas for improvement to build a sustained title challenge.
Wenger said: “I love this club and I am looking forward to the future with optimism and excitement. We are looking at what we do well and how we can be stronger everywhere.
“This is a strong group of players and with some additions we can be even more successful. We’re committed to mounting a sustained league challenge and that will be our focus this summer and next season.
“I am grateful to have the support of the board and Stan in doing everything we can to win more trophies. It’s what we all want and I know it’s what our fans around the world demand.”
In 2003-04, he became the first manager since 1888-89 to lead a team through an entire top-flight season unbeaten.
But after winning the 2005 FA Cup, they had to wait another nine years for their next silverware. It came as they beat Hull City to win the 2014 FA Cup – they won the trophy again the following year.
Supporters turned on the 67-year-old Frenchman as a result of league performances and they lost 10-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 in March.
They finished the league season with five successive victories but it was not enough to carry them above Liverpool to take the fourth and final Champions League spot.
Wenger said the criticism he has faced this season is “a disgrace” he will “never forget”.
Fan Reaction
Wenger wins.
I lose.
Arsenal will keep failing in any competition that matters.
Sad, mad, inexplicable day. pic.twitter.com/SkUJlF2aZl— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 31, 2017
So Wenger two-year deal confirmed by Arsenal. A chance missed to renew the club and rebuild.
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) May 31, 2017
Yes, Wenger’s Arsenal’s greatest ever manager but not winning the league in thirteen years for a club of their size isn’t good enough.
— Alex (@AlexCFC05) May 31, 2017
Conte: why do the double when you can let Arsenal win the FA Cup, Wenger signs a new contract and your guaranteed 6 points next season pic.twitter.com/fuIBO8bZTe
— Lendrick Kamar (@Ra1arda) May 31, 2017
Expect Wenger’s new deal to end in tears. Feel the club are simply too scared to move on. #AFC
— Joe Redmond (@JoeTomRed) May 31, 2017
Issue with Wenger is that year on year it is getting more difficult to break into the top 4 from outside due to mainly TV money
— Andy Bell (@AndyBell26) May 31, 2017
