Chronicle EditorLONDON. — Arsene Wenger will sign a new Arsenal contract, and is proving it by planning a huge spending spree in the summer transfer window. Wenger has left Arsenal in no doubt that he is staying because he is lining up big transfer targets as he looks to strengthen his squad for a title challenge next season.
Gunners boss Wenger (64) has kept fans guessing about his future because he has still not put pen to paper on a new deal despite telling the board months ago that he was staying.
But Wenger, who is still hoping to nail down a top four finish and win the FA Cup, has already been told he has got £70m-plus to spend this summer and is determined to spend big.
The Frenchman accepts his squad needs strengthening in several areas as he look to bring in a big name striker, new right back, midfield general, wide player and new keeper.
Wenger believes the club’s poor recent form is down to injuries and that has left him convinced that he needs reinforcements to keep up with the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Arsenal like Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic who could be available and they are in the hunt for a successor to Bacary Sagna who looks set to leave on a free transfer.
They are also looking for a long term successor to Mikel Arteta and Wenger wants to bring in a powerful player with a physical presence in midfield.
Wenger is also keeping tabs on Manchester United’s Tom Cleverley who is a target for Everton this summer but his future is now unclear with a new manager set to come in at Old Trafford.
Arsenal have been scouting Real Sociedad’s French prospect Antoine Griezmann as he looks to inject more pace into his squad.
They also rate highly young right back Calum Chambers at Southampton even though he could cost £10m-plus.
Wenger may not announce the new contract until after the FA Cup final and the fans are still sweating on a Champions League place and winning a trophy.
But after the turmoil at Manchester United, Wenger’s moves behind the scenes have left everyone at the Emirates convinced that he is staying to try and build a new era of success.
Meanwhile, Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has admitted he could be interested in a move back to former club Cologne in the future.
Podolski joined up with his old side earlier this week to celebrate their promotion back to the Bundesliga.
The 28-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Cologne in 2012, says he plans to see out his contract at the Emirates, but has refused to rule out a return to his homeland later in his career.
“The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world and therefore, in principle, is always interesting,” Podolski told Transfermarkt.
“In the Bundesliga, my thoughts naturally turn first to [Cologne]. That is much more than a club for me, this is my home.
“Maybe I’ll return one day; that is, for me, always an option and matter of the heart.
“I would also like to meet my Arsenal contract.
But as I said, yes, you never know in football.
“Sometimes everything happens very quickly.” — The Mirror.
Online Reporter