The ‘In Arsene We Trust’ banners are finally showing signs of ceasing.
Few managers have enjoyed the kind of die-hard support that the trophy-less for seven years Wenger has enjoyed at the Emirates.
However, not any more it would seem.
A three-way deadlock involving Wenger’s transfer funds, Robin Van Persie and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
After reports emerged that Wenger has £50millon sitting in his transfer kitty, Gunners fans now want to know why he has not spent it.
The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust are demanding answers from club owner Stan Kroenke and the Emirates board, according to a report in The Sun.
Questions raised at a lively AST meeting on Monday night, included why bitter rivals Spurs are so far ahead despite having a 40 per cent lower wage bill.
Arsenal are expected to announce pre-tax profits of about £45m — boosted by the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
It might be worth noting that having £50millon is one thing – buying the right player is quite another.
Wenger’s buy ‘em young watch ‘em grow policy worked only until he was winning trophies.
Then the young ‘uns upped and left.
Arsene Wenger meanwhile will reportedly refuse to be held to ransom over Robin van Persie.
Arsenal are determined to keep their prize asset this summer even if the Dutchman does not sign a new contract, according to media reports, and talks are underway to offer the striker a mega deal.
Then there is the question of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, an emerging talismanic figure for the Gunners. Wenger has also stated that he will not push the dynamic winger into playing too much, too early, much to chagrin of Arsenal fans.
Gunners boss Wenger ended up selling Samir Nasri to Manchester City for £22m last summer because he only had one year left on his deal and Wenger feared he could end up leaving on a free transfer.
But Arsenal are prepared to take the risk of Van Persie running his current contract into next season before it expires in 2013.
The Arsenal board know selling their captain, talisman and star striker would cause fury among the fans.
Van Persie would be 30 in 2013, is four years older than Nasri and so it will be a different dilemma for Arsenal this summer making it increasingly likely they will take a gamble on his contract situation.
However, Wenger shows no signs of buying an out and out top-ranked player ready to impact Arsenal’s cup fortunes.
Indications already are that all inquiries concern players with great potential – but no established stars.
The latest news on that front is his interest in 21-year old defender, Daniel Opare from Ghana.
At least the good news for Gunners’ fans is Wenger is finally showing interest in shoring up his defence.
