Martin Keown delivers verdict on Wenger Arsenal exit speculation
By Danny Wright
Martin Keown believes that it would be too soon for Arsene Wenger to leave the club if he goes at the end of the season.
The Frenchman, who has been in charge of the Gunners since 1996, has come under fire from fans and media after another title challenge has been derailed over recent weeks.
The 50-year-old, who was part of the 2003/04 ‘Invincibles’, says that Arsenal must have a plan in place to replace Wenger before making any sort of decision on his future.
“What he has to decide now is, has he come to the end of the road in terms of his managerial qualities that he’s got to offer,” Keown said in an interview with BBC Sport.
“I do feel that if he were to go now, and without a succession plan for management from the club, it will be too soon.
“I don’t think the board are ready yet, or the club ready, for him to leave. There’s a lot of thinking that needs to be done at high level.
“Yes, that end is coming but maybe another contract of one year or two years. And he, Wenger, should be made to be a part of the manager that comes in – somebody in the same mould.”
Keown made over 350 appearances for the Gunners over two spells with the club and is clearly worried about what the future would hold for his former club if Wenger were to leave.
The former centre-back is clearly making reference to Manchester United after Alex Fergsuon left after a 26-year stay at Old Trafford.
Since his departure in 2013 United have found themselves struggling to compete for European places, let alone the title and have gone through three permanent managers.
Ferguson was made part of the recruitment of his replacement, David Moyes, but Keown still maintains that it would be important for Wenger to take part in such discussions.
Arsenal are without a league title since Keown left the club in 2004 and have only won three FA Cups in that time.
This season, the Gunners find themselves third in the Premier League, level on 50 points with second placed Tottenham – nine behind leaders Chelsea.
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