Gazidis: Fans will decide Wenger future

ARSENAL chief executive Ivan Gazidis has told Arsene Wenger that his job is safe unless the club’s fans turn on him.

Gazidis was speaking at a meeting of the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust at the Emirates Stadium as he was forced to defend a sixth successive season without a trophy allied to a 6.5% increase in ticket prices.

And while he came under fire from sections of the crowd — specifically over a bizarre attempt to blame the ticket price increases on a rise in the utility rates at the Emirates Stadium — he stressed his support for Wenger.

“We 100% support Arsene,” said Gazidis. “I 100% support him and feel he has done a fantastic job in a difficult period for this club.

“You have to remember that we have been up against clubs with unlimited spending power and others such as Manchester United who generate far greater revenue than we do.

“In that environment, Arsene has done a remarkable job to stay at the top end of the game, although we have to acknowledge we haven’t delivered trophies and that is critical for the club. Arsene is ultimately accountable to the fans — they ultimately make judgment.

“If you are seeing the relationship between the fans and the manager break down over time that is unsustainable. But I don’t think we are anywhere near that.”

Gazidis refused to discuss the futures of the likes of Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and Gael Clichy, all of whom have been linked with a move away from the club.

“We are committed to both new signings and departures from our existing squad,” he said.