Arsene Wenger signs two year extension with Arsenal

Well, it’s finally official: Arsene Wenger will remain as Arsenal manager for at least two more seasons.

Arsene Wenger via the club’s announcement:

“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.”

Majority owner Stan Kroenke and Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis also chimed in with statements on the club’s ambition and goal to win as many trophies as possible while backing Wenger as the man to lead the charge in this quest. The club’s statement also mentioned the £40 million investment in facilities at the London Colney training centre and the Academy at Hale End in the last two years, something which often flies under the radar.

Despite coming under heavy criticism this season for many of decisions, some criticism justified and much of it over the top as exemplified by the numerous banners flown over game, Wenger, 67, still remains the most successful manager this club has seen and will look to build upon this season’s late charge with what is sure to be a critical summer as contract extension questions loom over several key players.

Hopefully now that the contract saga is over, a saga which has been casting a shadow over this club for the better part of the season, operations can return to normal with the transfer window already in full bloom and the club looking to move on as regularly scheduled. Transfers aside, it’ll be important to note how the club plans for a successor as Wenger isn’t getting any younger and the modern game is demanding more and more from managers and their staff which is in stark contrast to this club’s operational style of handing full control to one man. We’ll surely be seeing some changes to Arsenal FC in the coming years.

Commiserations to Arsenal TV.