Wenger boys must mount title bid or face the music
The French coach rejected the overtures of Real Madrid, who were reported to have made an offer worth around £6million (€7m) a year, to “finish the job” he started back at Highbury more than a decade ago.
Arsenal, though, have so far made only one major move in the summer transfer market, bringing in Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen, 23, from Ajax.
While the Gunners could yet step up their interest in Bordeaux’s Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh, but only should Emmanuel Adebayor leave, Wenger continues to talk about evolution and progression for his squad rather than a radical overhaul.
The Arsenal manager remains determined Arsenal will deliver come May 2010. “I refused (Real Madrid) because I have built a young team and I have the feeling that I have not finished my job,” Wenger said.
“I am not denying it will be a decisive season. If we are not in the title race, we will have to build everything again.”
While harbouring no intention of leaving his post just yet, Wenger, who turns 60 in October, accepts he cannot go on forever.
“I am near the end of my career, I won’t be coach for another 10 years,” he admitted.
“I have been at the club for 12 years and I do not want to go on even one year too much.”
Despite interest from AC Milan once again, Wenger has no desire to sell Adebayor — who netted 30 goals during the 2007/2008 campaign — as he prepares for his squad’s return to training next week.
“If he does not want to stay, he will leave, but I think that he will be still at Arsenal this season,” Wenger said.
Arsenal have moved this week to tie up several of their youngsters on new, long-term deals, with Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey agreeing contract extensions while four members of the successful FA Youth Cup team signed pro forms.
Holland international Robin van Persie, last season’s top scorer, is also expected to agree terms on a new deal shortly.
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