Wenger so sure of his way ahead

That Arsenal's policy of youth blended with experience is responsible for such free-flowing play is testament to the skill of Arsene Wenger, married to a business model operated by the board.

But the news that Red and White Holdings — a company fronted by former vice-chairman David Dein and backed by Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov — have become the second biggest shareholder in Arsenal by increasing their stake to 21 per cent, represents a major challenge to the way the Premier League leaders go about their business.

Dein has already expressed his fear that, without major investment, they will soon no longer be able to challenge Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool domestically — and that repeating their march to the Champions League Final will become a pipe dream.

But although Wenger's friendship with his former vice-chairman remains as strong as ever, in spite of Dein's unceremonious ousting by the board in April, it is clear the French manager does not share his vision of the future.

Wenger is staying calm despite the growing possibility of a takeover at the Emirates. But one suspects that should control of the club pass into the hands of Usmanov, the Arsenal manager will be filled with concerns over his ability to get on with his job without the influence of a new owner.

Dein's assertion that investment is needed has set the alarm bells ringing with Wenger, who need only look at Chelsea and the arrivals of Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack to witness the dangers of a side with too many chiefs.

The Arsenal manager is in no mood to have his policy of talent over star names compromised.

"Of course you care who is on the board because some people are more intrusive than others," admitted Wenger, who recently signed a new three-year deal with the club.

"But the tradition here has always been for a manager to do his work as he wants to do it."

So is he concerned that by buying up 320 shares for £2.64million, then adding a further 5.9 per cent for around £40m to take their total investment to £115m, Red and White have outlined their determination to have a say?

"We are in a position where, at the moment, I don't feel there's anything big moving around the club or uncertainty surrounding the ownership," replied Wenger. "The directors don't need to reassure me because they have already come out and said they don't need to sell. We are focused on the game, preparing for the game and that's all we need.

"The happiness is linked to having a good football team which plays good football and I can work the way I like. It is a good feeling when you wake up in the morning and are happy to go to your job, and that's what is happening for me. We are happy to do what we do and the board help make that possible."

The quality of his work will once again be there for all to see against Sevilla tonight — Dein will take his place in the stands and Usmanov, who has a box, is also likely to be present.

Should the pair need reminding, surely no player embodies Wenger's philosophy more than Cesc Fabregas, who, after being plucked from Barcelona, has been moulded into one of the most feared midfielders in Europe.

Such is the Spain international's rise that it even earned him comparisons with Michel Platini by Wenger.

"His vision is comparable to Platini's," said Wenger. "Cesc has it all in front of him, but he has a vision. He is young, he is 20 and he has to improve.

"That is all he has to do and let other people judge how good he is. I have played him since he was 16, so I must believe he is good."

Sevilla boss Juande Ramos is theNo 1 contender to take over from Martin Jol at Tottenham.

And although Wenger would not be drawn on the backroom goings on at White Hart Lane, he clearly feels Ramos has the talent to succeed in the English game.

"When I see his team play I like to watch them," he said. "He is a very good coach but I feel that Martin Jol is a very good coach, too. His team plays good football, they are quick going forward and have good discipline."

But if Wenger masterminds an Arsenal triumph tonight and his side go on to have a convincing European campaign, will it still be enough to convince Dein and Usmanov of the old adage: If it ain't broke, don't fix it?

ARSENAL (4-4-2): Almunia; Sagna, Toure, Gilberto, Clichy; Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Rosicky; Adebayor, Van Persie.

SEVILLA (4-4-2): Palop; Alves, Fazio, Escude, Dragutinovic; Navas, Poulsen, Marti, Duda; Kanoute, Renato.

Referee: Peter Frojdfeldt (Swe).

TV: Sky Sports Xtra from 7.30pm (kick-off 7.45).