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Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis hints at spending spree
James Olley13 May 2009
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis hinted today he was disappointed by Arsenal's season and admitted Arsene Wenger needs to strengthen his squad this summer.
When Gazidis was appointed in January he said finishing fourth in the Premier League was not good enough but that is all Arsenal have to show for their efforts after a fourth trophyless year.
Gazidis has faith in manager Wenger to turn things around but knows changes must be made.
“I am not happy where we ended up but I am pleased we are disappointed by it,” said the American.
“There are other clubs who would feel this is a good position. Or we could say in December if someone had said we'd have been in this position then we would have bitten their hands off'.
“So why aren't we feeling great about it? The answer is because we have higher expectations.
“But this is not a situation where we should be over-reactive and feel that we are in crisis. We are not. We have a team with an average age of 23 or 24 that went to the Champions League semi-finals and is going to get better.
“Does it need to be supplemented? Quite possibly but it is a very, very promising situation for the next four or five years.
“So right now I think it is important to have some perspective and be brutally realistic with ourselves — but not only on the negative side but the positive side as well.”
Wenger is eyeing up replacements this summer but insists he is not planning widespread changes.
The Frenchman said: “Certainly we will try to strengthen the squad, we will look to bring in one or two players.
“We are prepared to spend the necessary money to get the players we want, but the size of the player is not always linked with the size of the money you spend. Once we identify the player we want, we will spend the money we need to.
“I remain confident we can win silverware next season, and that is why we will continue to work hard. Competition demands strong people, otherwise you should go and do something else.”
Wenger's transfer budget could be boosted by Alisher Usmanov, who is considering paying off some of Arsenal's debt in a bid to help them challenge for honours.
Russia-based billionaire Usmanov, the Gunners' second-highest stakeholder with 25 per cent of shares, last week called on the club to “step up” their transfer dealings and it now seems he could be prepared to help them do so.
Debts associated to Arsenal's move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium are understood to be a factor in the club's transfer budget and it is something Usmanov seems willing to help ease, if approached.
A spokesman for Usmanov's investment company, Red and White Holdings, told the Daily Telegraph: “The key issue is to ensure that the club remain both self-financing and competitive at the very highest levels of European and world football. The debt at the club appears to be an impediment to that and we are ready to help address that if the board asks.”
Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas is set for a club-versus-country row over his participation in the Confederations Cup in South Africa this summer.
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is expected to name his squad for the tournament shortly after the Champions League Final on 27 May. Fabregas, 22, is expected to be included after returning from a near four-month absence with knee ligament damage that curtailed his season.
But Wenger is understood to be concerned his captain could be asked to play up to five matches during the two-week event that begins on 14 June.
Reader views (9)
We just need 2 top English central defenders! Cahill & Lescott. going frward is not a problem for this team, leaking goals is!!! Cahill & Lescott would solve that problem and with Toure & Djourou as back up is pretty good. Almunia, Sagna, Cahill, Lescott, Clichy, Song, Fabregas, Diaby, Arshavin, Nasri,Van-persie. 4-3-3. Bench: Lukasz, Toure, Denilson, Rosicky, Walcott, Bendtner, Eduardo. Squad: Vito, Gibbs, Eboue, Djourou, Ramsey, Fran, Wilshere, Vela, Simpson. Squad to challenge with, as long as we have no injuries!!!! Sell: Gallas, Senderos, Traore, Bischoff, Adeybaor.
- Newmy, Milton keynes, 14/05/2009 15:07
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I agree with Julias this is more about reputation management.
- Andy, London, 14/05/2009 14:07
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If it is true, then this is a positive gesture from Usmanov. The board should welcome this guy to the club and board. He is not an enemy to the club establishment. He looks honest and willing to offer some impetus to our great club. The fact is that Usmanov is one of the leading shareholders and deserves some respect from all Arsenal stakeholders. He is willng to help the club...can board please listen to Usmanov. I do not think that he is for bad things in the club. He should be in the board so that we can have sme harmony, diversity and see club move forward. My appeal is to Chairman, Hill-wood and other board members to soften their stand so that a board seat can be created for Usmanov. Let us all welcome Mr. Usmanov to the club with open hands for the shake of the club.
- Paul Otieno, Yorkshire, England, 14/05/2009 14:07
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I have a strange feeling that Usmanov will take over the club this summer & will bring back David Dein. The outcome will be that Wenger leaves & a top manager will be brought in & backed financially. Wenger will then become the national manager of either France or Germany. Watch this space
- Robbie G, London, 14/05/2009 14:07
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you never know!!! Wenger might...I do say might thou...buy some British players...you never know!!!
- Mark, Sidcup, 14/05/2009 14:07
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If the story is true, I do not think that the board should accept the money. I see it as a media hype by Usmanov to present himself as the saviour of Arsenal FC. If he has the intention of doing what he promised, he does not need to go to the press to announce it - it should be an internal matter. He appears a frustrated man and wants to tell the 'world' that he is the 'redeemer'. Perhaps he should ask Mr Wenger which top player he would like to have in the team then he should buy the player, agree the contract with his agent, pay his wages and offer him to Arsenal for free- but with no obligation on the manager to play him.
- Julius Nuga, Abbots Langley UK, 14/05/2009 14:07
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Put not your faith in Princes for in them shall be no salvation
- Aitchem, oregon usa, 14/05/2009 14:07
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Always watch the hand that wants to help you.
Once he gets his foot in the door. he will buy the shares.
- Rgj Durch, GERMANY, 14/05/2009 14:07
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You never know! He might decide to bankroll a few experienced players to strengthen our very weak squad.
Dont be so pessimistic.It's always been difficult dealing with the stubborn and proud Arsenal board.They should ask for help without crippling the club. God knows we need it!!!!
- Anthony, North London. UK, 14/05/2009 14:07
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