Arsenal: Arsene Wenger reportedly putting us all out of our misery

Per a report from ESPN, Arsene Wenger is set to sign a new two-year deal with Arsenal. While many will be unhappy at the news, the finality is something to be cheered.

A summer of uncertainty and unknown has awaited Arsenal for some time now. There is a lack of clarity regarding the playing squad, no guidance or communication from the board, and great division within the fan base. And all this lives under the shadow of Arsene Wenger and his undecided future.

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The man who has shaped the club in his image, the man who has moulded every nook and cranny, the man who has spent time and energy investing in every aspect of the organisation, the man who lives and breathes Arsenal football club could be set to leave. Or he could be set to stay. We simply don’t know.

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The argument surrounding his possible extension or departure has been lively at best and vociferous, borderline violent at worst. Fans are vehement supporters or detractors of his management style. As is ever the case with sports, it is seemingly the middle ground that is the most controversial.

But whether you are ‘Wenger In’ or ‘Wenger Out’, there is one thing that cannot be validly dismissed: certainty is needed. For both the short and long term sake of the club, it is important that a degree of certainty and agreement comes, such that a foundation is made that can be built upon. Currently, at least from the mere perspective of an external blogger, the club is founded on a lack of clarity and direction.

That is why the recent reports from ESPN are so encouraging, even for those who are not the biggest Wenger supporters. The report claims that Wenger is set to sign a new two-year deal to stay at the Emirates after his last contract expired under a cloud of controversy. It proceeds to reveal that there had been a verbal agreement between Wenger and the board long before the end of the season, and that this was their intention all along.

While there will be many who will be disappointed that Wenger will remain as manager, the revelation that this is a plan that has been put in place for some time, if not declared to the public as such, is undoubtedly an uplifting one.

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The most frustrating aspect of the ‘Wenger In’, ‘Wenger Out’ tug of war has been the lack of clarity, the mist that has shrouded every rumour or suggestion. It now looks as though we are set to receive a little clarity in the coming days. something that is most welcome indeed.