After ending all speculation over his future by signing a new contract at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger wants to launch a genuine bid for the title next season.
The future of the Frenchman has been of some debate in recent months, with a seemingly increasing number of Gunners fans calling for his resignation after another disappointing campaign. As well as failing to challenge for a first Premier League title since 2004, Wenger’s side slipped out of the top-four and were humiliated by Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.
Although the season did end in silverware when Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup final last weekend, there will still some doubts whether their manager would continue. But all these have now been laid to rest after it was revealed that the 67-year-old has signed a new two-year contract, and he has revealed his ambitions for the club remain as lofty as ever.
“I love this club and I am looking forward to the future with optimism and excitement,” he said. “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.”
Top of the list for Wenger will be to secure Mesut Ozil and, of more importance, Alexis Sanchez to new contracts. Both players are out of contract at the end of next season and are said to have become frustrated with the lack of progress the team have made in recent times. Aside from this, the club’s supporters will also expect a host of new arrivals ahead of next term.
One player who seems destined for the Emirates Stadium is teenage striker Henry Onyekuru. It is understood the Gunners have agreed to pay the £6.8million release clause to take the youngster from KAS Eupen, although personal terms are yet to be agreed. The Nigerian, 19, scored 22 goals for the Belgians last season, and 30 in 60 appearances since arriving at the club.
