Having only just signed his two year extension at the club, Arsene Wenger has little time to rest on his laurels.
The meeting between the owner and the manager suggests that the board and fans had no tangible influence on Kroenke’s decision to award Wenger a new contract. Neither were consulted or heard on matters regarding his contract, the current malaise at the club or the lack of structure surrounding Wenger and his team.
However, if Wenger is going to succeed in the upcoming years, then there are a number of objectives the club will need to meet this summer:
2. Make a marquee purchase
It will not have gone unnoticed that Wenger and Ivan Gazidis have recently returned from Nice.
Many presumed this to be an attempt to persuade Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe to become a Gunner.
Reports suggest Arsenal have made a significant move for the youngster, who would not only add a ruthless quality to Arsenal’s attack but whose signing would also make a statement to other clubs.
The Monaco striker has been likened to Thierry Henry. He has blistering pace, an eye for goal and an ability to win a game on its own.
If Arsene Wenger was able to secure his signature, then Arsenal’s attacking trio would surely be one of the most feared in Europe.
Unfortunately Arsenal are not the only club looking to procure the signature of the French number 9, Real Madrid are also among a number of clubs actively pursuing him.
If Arsenal fail in their bid to sign Mbappe, the club will require an alternative who can be called upon quickly.
Too often in the past, Arsenal have pursued one player only to be spurned and left empty handed.
It is admirable that Arsenal are finally loosening the purse strings – but it is important to keep the objective in mind and not allow Mbappe to become Wenger’s Moby Dick.
As exciting as the player is, there are equally exciting and adept alternatives.
