adminLONDON. — Despite their rivalry during his days as Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Arsene Wenger for sticking to his guns as Arsenal boss. The Frenchman has come under increasing pressure from supporters over the lack of transfer activity and failure to win the English Premier League soccer title since 2004.
But Ferguson sees similarities between the pair and believes the Gunners will struggle to find a better replacement at the Emirates Stadium.
He told ESPN: “It’s just like me if I hadn’t progressed the club after the ’94 team or the ’99 team I would maybe having the same problems as Arsene, but he’s stayed with his conviction, he’s stayed with what he believes in.
“When all the pressure – I’m thinking about the pressure I said to a few of my friends – who are they going to get to replace Arsene Wenger, you know, who are they going to get who is better than Arsene Wenger?
“And that’s why they don’t do (sack him), that’s why they’ve stuck by him.”
The pair were involved in some high-profile clashes when in opposite dugouts, as United and Arsenal slugged it out to reign supreme in the Premier League but it’s clear there’s mutual respect between them.
Meanwhile, Alexis Sanchez is in line to become Arsenal’s best-paid player as the club prepare talks over a new deal.
The Gunners are in the midst of a contract renewal drive with signing the Chilean star to fresh terms viewed as a priority.
Plans are at a early stage but the Gunners want to secure the future of Sanchez, who is arguably Arsene Wenger’s most potent attacking player.
Sanchez currently earns in the region of £130 000-per-week at the Emirates Stadium; but can expect an increase on those terms.
Only Mesut Ozil earns more than Sanchez; the German is paid £140 000-per-week.
But Sanchez could surpass Ozil as the club’s top earner if Arsenal are successful in tying him down to a new contract.
The Gunners, though, are also planning to open discussions over a new deal with Ozil, who himself is likely to net a pay rise. — Mailonline.
Online Reporter