22nd February, 2013
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger is planning a shake-up in his team.
Wenger has already instructed his chief scout, Steve Rowley, to draw up a list of potential replacements at right-back as he plans what is expected to be a busy summer of comings and goings at the Emirates.
The Arsenal board reiterated its support for Wenger at a routine board meeting yesterday and will back their manager of 17 years in the rebuilding process, even if the team do not succeed in overhauling fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur over the remaining 12 games to qualify for the Champions League.
Players such as David Villa, Victor Wanyama, Etienne Capoue and Pepe Reina will come under scrutiny as potential signings, while fringe players from the current playing staff will be moved on. The majority shareholder, Stan Kroenke, attended the meeting as expected, with Wenger delivering a report on the team’s progress on the pitch, with other department heads doing likewise for their respective briefs.
There will be funds available to spend, with the impact of the new shirt sponsorship deal with Emirates Airlines, worth £150m over five years, to be felt, while the club are also in negotiations over a lucrative kit deal with either Nike or Adidas.