Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to stay for two more years: Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to go

Posted Wednesday, March 22, 2017 by Express.co.uk

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to stay for two more years: Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to go
Arsene Wenger is set to stay at Arsenal for two more years

ARSENE WENGER has agreed to help build the structure to replace himself as a trade off for being given two more years in which to go out on a high with Arsenal.

Recent results have underlined the need for major change at the club and, despite not being a fan of the role, Wenger will usher in a new sporting director at the club to help build continuity when he does eventually leave.

Belatedly, the board have come to the realisation that there is no like-for-like replacement for Wenger and will move towards a more two-tier system, although they remain adamant that when the Frenchman does eventually step down as manager there will be no "move upstairs" and the break will be a clean one.

Nothing is likely to be finalised this week although the board recognises how destabilising the current uncertainty is.

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will be sold out as part of a "reinvention" process but Hector Bellerin yesterday pledged his loyalty to Arsenal and Wenger in particular in light of continued speculation linking him with a return to Barcelona.

"The loyalty to this person is worth more than money," he said. "It's something very important to me, that he's there carries a lot of weight for me.

"Any player would be flattered by interest from Barca, it's the best club in the world and that is very nice.

"The fact that I grew up in the Barca academy also makes this a bit more special, although for now I'm focused on these games and on the season and the rest will come later."