Arsenal’s Future Shrouded In Doubt

With manager Arsene Wenger’s contract set to expire next Summer, and no new contract looking as though it is on the way any time soon, Arsenal’s future is extremely uncertain, and it is very troubling.

The long term has never been an issue that Arsenal have had to worry about. With Arsene Wenger secure in his job for the last 20 years of Arsenal’s existence, the future of the club has very rarely been a question needed asking. Arsenal is a club that is the epitome of Arsene Wenger. It is built in his image, and for plenty of years, if looking ahead five or ten years, it was always impossible to do without Wenger being the centerpiece.

Related Story: How Should Arsenal Handle The Summer Transfer Window?

Now, however, there is cause for concern, or celebration, depending on your opinion of Wenger’s reign, about the long term future of Arsenal football club. Whether you are a fan of Wenger or not, one thing that cannot be denied is the inherent relationship that he and the club have. It is very similar to the relationship between Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United before he retired in 2013.

Like the departure of Ferguson, Wenger leaving would effect so much more than just a new manager on the sidelines each and every game. This club is woven round the tendencies, the details and technicalities, the plots and plans of Wenger. He is an essential aspect, good or bad, to the running of the club, and without such a core piece, it is easy to see the possible chaos that it would cause.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

You also do not have to cast your gaze far to see the damaging effects of the departure of a long term manager leaving. Since Sir Alex retired, United have struggled to regain any sort of identity. David Moyes came in, was offered far too little time and money, and was unceremoniously dumped just a season into the job. He was replaced by the egotistical, confident but cocky Louis Van Gaal who chose to splash the cash. He bought poor players, managed them poorly and was ultimately sacked just this week.

Replacing someone who is at the very core of a club is a difficult task. Arsenal will have to undergo such change at some point in the near future, and whoever they turn to, an Arsenal legend or an established manager, the job of molding the squad, the team and ultimately the whole infrastructure into their own is an unenviable one.

Next: Should Bellerin Be Arsenal Captain?

The future for Arsenal is far from certain, and if, or when, Wenger departs, the following seasons could be difficult to watch indeed.