Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger signs new two-year deal

Speculation over the Frenchman's future has been rife in recent months but despite a backdrop of supporter unrest, he has now committed to the club with a fresh deal that will extend his reign to almost 23 years.

Wenger, 67, had come in for criticism after a run of seven defeats in 12 games saw the Gunners drop out of the Premier League title race and suffer humiliation in the Champions League as they were thrashed 10-2 on aggregate by Bayern Munich.

But it was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that he will remain in his role until at least 2019.

"Arsenal Football Club and Arsene Wenger have agreed a two-year extension to his contract as manager," a statement on the Arsenal website read.

"Arsene and chief executive Ivan Gazidis have conducted a full review of our on and off the pitch activities to identify areas for improvement to build a sustained title challenge." 

Wenger said he was optimistic for the future and said work was under way to plan for a title challenge next season - with Arsenal having not lifted the Premier League trophy in 13 years.

"I love this club and I am looking forward to the future with optimism and excitement," the Frenchman said. "We are looking at what we do well and how we can be stronger everywhere.

"This is a strong group of players and with some additions we can be even more successful. We're committed to mounting a sustained league challenge and that will be our focus this summer and next season.

"I am grateful to have the support of the board and (majority owner) Stan (Kroenke) in doing everything we can to win more trophies. It's what we all want and I know it's what our fans around the world demand."

Despite protests aimed at forcing Wenger to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, a tactical tweak to a three-man defence saw Arsenal win nine of their last 10 games of the campaign, culminating in Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.

Wenger now holds a record seven FA Cup wins, with Arsenal the most successful team in the competition having lifted the trophy no less than 13 times.

But it is in the league and on the European stage where Wenger and his side have struggled - finishing fifth last season and missing out on Champions League football for the first time since 1998.

They also ended the campaign behind north London rivals Tottenham, ending a 22-year run of dominance over their neighbours.

All of which fuelled protestations against Wenger, with pre-match marches, planes carrying anti-Wenger banners over away grounds, boycotts of games and banners being displayed over the past few months.

But the board have not buckled to those pressures and have backed the man who has delivered three Premier League titles since taking over in 1996.

Wenger had previously admitted that the continuing uncertainty led to an "absolutely horrendous" environment at the club this season and contributed to their barren run.

Arsenal's majority owner Stan Kroenke, who rebuffed a takeover bid from Russian billionaire and minority shareholder Alisher Usmanov last week, hailed Wenger as the best man for the job as he too targeted more silverware.

"Our ambition is to win the Premier League and other major trophies in Europe," he said.

"It's what the fans, players, staff, manager and board expect and we won't rest until that is achieved.

"Arsene is the best person to help us make that happen. He has a fantastic track record and has our full backing."

The 'full review' conducted by Wenger and Gazidis is likely to have involved conversations about restructuring the backroom department at the club.

Wenger has always insisted he would never work alongside a director of football and it remains to be seen if any of his coaching staff are replaced.

Gazidis himself said the club are in the right place to challenge next season.

"There is no complacency anywhere at this club," he said.

"Our goal is to compete for and win trophies here and in Europe. Everything we do is designed to make that happen and we will be working hard on and off the pitch this summer to improve and make a strong challenge next season.

"The club has grown beyond recognition in every aspect in recent years and we have the platform to be successful and meet the ambitions we and our fans share."

Former Monaco boss Wenger is set to become the most experienced manager in the Premier League era. He is currently 20 matches behind Sir Alex Ferguson's 810 games.

Supporters, both for and against Wenger, will want to see money invested in the playing staff over the summer to try and move Arsenal closer to the title next season.

Despite only being able to offer the lure of Europa League football, the club have been linked with the likes of Leicester's Riyad Mahrez, highly-rated Monaco youngster Kylian Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon.

A move for Schalke full-back Sead Koslasniac is believed to have been agreed and his free transfer should be announced soon, while Press Association Sport understands Arsenal are in negotiations with Belgian outfit Eupen for 19-year-old forward Henry Onyekuru.

One of Wenger's first tasks to set about as the ink dries on his own deal is to tie down Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to new contracts.

The pair have a little over 12 months remaining on their current agreements and have reportedly attracted attention from top clubs across Europe.

Earlier in the year it was claimed both players were holding out for parity with the Premier League's top earners and it would be a signal of Arsenal's intent if they can convince Sanchez, who hit 30 goals last season, and club-record signing Ozil to extend their stays.

But, in the short-term, Wenger will no doubt be relieved not to face any further questions on his immediate future as he heads into what could prove to be a busy summer.

Usmanov, who does not sit on the Arsenal board and was not present at the meeting with Wenger, put out a statement later on Wednesday calling on the manager to be given the complete backing of Kroenke and the other board members.

"I am pleased that Arsene Wenger will continue to manage Arsenal for the next two years as he is one of the very best coaches in Europe," he said.

"What is now of paramount importance is that he receives the full support of the board and majority shareholder. He has a great opportunity to deliver the success that the fans deserve and the legacy that his long contribution merits.

"However without the right support there remains a real risk that his legacy will be tarnished. If the support is not forthcoming, we stand ready to step in and do everything we can to deliver success on and off the field." 

Arsene Wenger at Arsenal: 2017/18 To-Do List

Tie down Ozil and Sanchez

While Wenger's future has filled back pages, the contract wrangles with dynamic duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have also rumbled on.

Both are significant figures in the Arsenal side and, even though the Gunners face a first season out of the Champions League in 19 years, getting them to sign their own new deals is essential.

The pair have a little over 12 months to run on their contracts and it has been reported that both Sanchez, who hit 30 goals last season, and club-record signing Ozil are seeking parity with the Premier League's top earners. Arsenal must pay it to keep hold of the pair and move forward.

Make any backroom changes quickly

Wenger has been adamant that he will never work alongside a director of football or someone who takes away some of his key managerial responsibilities.

But, after a run of seven defeats in 12 games earlier in the year, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the barren spell was a 'catalyst for change'.

While it now seems a senior role such as a director of football is a non-starter, any changes that are agreed as part of Wenger's new deal must be implemented with both haste and minimal disruption.

Bring in one or two big names

Wenger, and the club as a whole, have been criticised in recent seasons for a lack of inspirational signings.

Last summer Arsenal spent big on Shkodran Mustafi, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Perez.

The jury is still out on both Mustafi and Xhaka while Perez is likely to move back to Spain having not kicked a ball in anger since March.

This year needs to be different and fans will be excited that names such as Riyad Mahrez, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Bacca have all been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Now Wenger and his transfer team must deliver such players despite only being able to offer Europa League football.

Hit the ground running in August

Wenger's new deal has been signed against a backdrop of hostility.

Protests have swelled in recent months as a title bid turned into a fifth-placed finish and was accompanied by a humiliating 10-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

A tactical tweak saw the Gunners end the season with nine wins out of 10, culminating in the FA Cup final success against Chelsea.

Wenger will need to start the next campaign in similar fashion to quieten those still unhappy with the decision to stick with the Frenchman.

Arsene Wenger at Arsenal: Full Record

Overall

Matches: 1,168
Wins: 670
Draws: 267
Losses: 231
Win percentage: 57.4
Major trophies: 10

Premier League

Matches: 790
Wins: 457
Draws: 193
Losses: 140
Win percentage: 57.8
Goal difference: 731
Titles: 3 (1998, 2002, 2004)
Manager of the Season: 3 (1998, 2002, 2004)
Manager of the Month: 15

Champions League

Matches: 191
Wins: 96
Draws: 42
Losses: 53
Win percentage: 50.3
Best performance: Final (2006)

UEFA Cup

Matches: 13
Wins: 6
Draws: 3
Losses: 4
Win percentage: 46.2
Best performance: Final (2000)

FA Cup

Matches: 107
Wins: 73
Draws: 21
Losses: 13
Win percentage: 68.2
Titles: 7 (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2017)

League Cup

Matches: 67
Wins: 38
Draws: 8
Losses: 21
Win percentage: 56.7
Best performance: Final (2007, 2011)

Arsene Wenger at Arsenal: Memorable Matches

Blackburn 0-2 Arsenal (Premier League; October 12, 1996)

Headlines of 'Arsene Who?' had greeted the arrival of an unheralded French coach to Highbury and the jury was very much out as to what his impact would be on the English game.

Wenger started his Arsenal career with a 2-0 win at Blackburn, who had won the title in 1995, which was secured by a goal in each half from Ian Wright.

Arsenal 4-0 Everton (Premier League; May 3, 1998)

Roll the clock on to the end of the next season and no one was in any doubt of what Wenger could achieve.

The Gunners sealed the Premier League title with a 4-0 romp over Everton in the Highbury sunshine, with captain Tony Adams netting the final goal a minute from time, which as commentator Martin Tyler declared: "Would you believe it? That sums it all up."

Adams went on to lift the FA Cup at Wembley as Arsenal defeated Newcastle 2-0 to secure the double.

Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League; May 8, 2002)

Wenger delivered the Premier League title again in 2001-2002, this time at Manchester United - and only a few days after winning the FA Cup final by beating Chelsea 2-0.

Sylvain Wiltord's goal just before the hour proved enough to see the travelling Gunners contingent celebrating another championship success.

The Gunners finished the campaign by beating Everton 4-3 to seal an 11th straight victory.

Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal (Premier League; April 25, 2004)

Wenger's squad delivered again in 2003-2004 and what better place to seal the title than on the turf of bitter north London rivals Tottenham.

Patrick Vieira set the Gunners on their way with a goal inside three minutes and Robert Pires had them 2-0 up at half-time.

Although Spurs produced a second-half rally and secured a point through a late penalty by Robbie Keane, the title party had already started as Wenger became the first Arsenal manager to land three league championships.

Arsenal's 'Invincibles' would finish the Premier League campaign unbeaten, a record which has yet to be repeated.

Real Madrid 0-1 Arsenal (Champions League; February 21, 2006)

Arsenal's then record European win came with a 5-1 victory at Inter Milan in 2003, but it was the performance in a last-16 contest away to Real Madrid which caught the headlines three seasons later.

The Gunners were given little hope against a side which included the likes of Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Brazil forward Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane, who would later lead Los Blancos to Champions League glory as a manager.

However, a fine individual goal from Thierry Henry on the break at the start of the second half sealed a famous win, and gave Arsenal a lead to defend back at Highbury, where they drew 0-0.

Wenger would lead his side on to the final in Paris, only to suffer a heart-breaking 2-1 defeat against Barcelona after goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had been sent off on 18 minutes.

Arsenal 4-2 Wigan (Premier League; May 7, 2006)

In what was the last match played at Highbury ahead of the move to the 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium, Wenger's side needed to win and hope Tottenham lost at West Ham to keep themselves in the top four.

French forward Henry netted a hat-trick as the Gunners eventually came through for victory, while Spurs came up short at Upton Park, which meant Arsenal ended some 93 years at one of England's most famous football venues on a high.

After moving to Ashburton Grove, Arsenal kicked off the first campaign in their new home with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on the opening day of the 2006-07 campaign.

Arsenal 1-2 Birmingham (Carling Cup final; February 27, 2011)

The Gunners went into the 2011 League Cup final on the back of having just beaten Barcelona 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie and with Premier League leaders Manchester United in their sights.

Taking on a Birmingham side which was in danger of being dragged into the relegation scrap looked a forgone conclusion.

However, Blues produced a battling display led by goalkeeper Ben Foster and went ahead through Nikola Zigic, but Robin van Persie equalised before half-time.

Just when it looked like extra-time beckoned, a blunder between Gunners' centre-back Laurent Koscielny and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saw the ball bobble out to Birmingham substitute Obafemi Martins who tapped into an empty net to secure a famous victory for the midlands club.

Arsenal's barren trophy run went on and Wenger's side saw their title challenge unravel to finish well off the pace in fourth place, while the Blues went down in 18th place, a point adrift of safety.

Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal (Premier League; March 22, 2014)

Wenger's 1,000th game in charge of Arsenal was one to be remembered - but for all the wrong reasons for the long-serving French coach.

Early goals from Samuel Eto'o and Andre Schurrle put Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in charge.

Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs was incorrectly sent off by referee Andre Marriner for an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain handball which saw Eden Hazard score from the penalty spot.

A brace from Oscar and a strike from Mohamed Salah completed the miserable afternoon for Wenger and his squad at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal 3-2 Hull (FA Cup final; May 17, 2014)

Arsenal came from 2-0 down to win a dramatic FA Cup final with a goal from Aaron Ramsey in extra-time to finally end Wenger's nine-year wait for a trophy.

The Tigers had earlier stunned the Gunners at a sun-baked Wembley as they went 2-0 up inside eight minutes through James Chester and captain Curtis Davies.

Wenger's side, though, rallied and reduced the deficit through a superb 30-yard free-kick from Santi Cazorla before defender Koscielny knocked in an equaliser with 19 minutes left.

The match was eventually settled in extra-time when Wales midfielder Ramsey crashed in a loose ball from the edge of the Hull penalty box.

Arsenal fans lined the streets of Islington for a long-overdue open-top bus parade the next day, with Wenger soon confirming his contract extension and going on to lead the club to a successful defence of the FA Cup the following season with a routine 4-0 win over Aston Villa.

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (FA Cup final; May 27, 2017)

Arsenal ended a season of frustration and uncertainty with FA Cup glory, denying 10-man Chelsea the double as beleaguered Arsene Wenger became the most successful manager in the competition's history.

Having stumbled home fifth and missed out on Champions League qualification, criticism of the Gunners boss has reached unprecedented and unpalatable levels.

Wenger has continued undeterred and, ahead of talks about his future next week, oversaw a record seventh FA Cup triumph on Saturday, with Aaron Ramsey securing a memorable 2-1 win moments after Chelsea's Diego Costa had cancelled out Alexis Sanchez's controversial strike.

Victor Moses' sending off after taking a tumble added intrigue to a final that enthralled from the outset, when an offside call against Sanchez was rightly overruled - although his handball in the build-up was missed. 

Arsene Wenger at Arsenal: Year by Year

1996-97

Having been announced as Bruce Rioch's successor in late September, the former Monaco and Grampus Eight coach went on to help sign a young Patrick Vieira and Nicolas Anelka while guiding the team to third - their hopes of a title challenge ended by a poor run in February. Arsenal missed out on a place in the Champions League on goal difference.

1997-98

After strengthening his team with Marc Overmars and Emmanuel Petit, Wenger guided Arsenal to their first title in seven years despite trailing Manchester United by 12 points at the end of February. The Gunners then beat Newcastle in the FA Cup final to record the north London club's first Double since 1971.

1998-99

Arsenal would be second best to Manchester United in this season, losing the title by a single point, and losing the FA Cup semi-final in extra-time to Sir Alex Ferguson's side courtesy of Ryan Giggs' famous goal.

1999-2000

Anelka was sold to Real Madrid, but the arrival of Thierry Henry from Juventus began a new era at Highbury. There were also major changes at the back, with Steve Bould retiring and Nigel Winterburn dropping down the pecking order - the end of the old guard. Their replacements were only good for the runners-up spot again.

2000-01

Robert Pires and Sylvain Wiltord were among the summer arrivals, but Overmars and Petit left for Barcelona and without them Arsenal had to settle for second again, also losing the FA Cup final to Liverpool.

2001-02

Sol Campbell arrived on a shock free transfer from local rivals Tottenham, and Wenger unearthed the little known Kolo Toure as Arsenal reclaimed the title and did the Double again, memorably beating United at Old Trafford to win the league before seeing off Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

2002-03

With Tony Adams retired to be replaced by Pascal Cygan, Vieira was elevated to captain and Gilberto Silva arrived to strengthen the midfield. However, Arsenal could not defend their league crown as they finished second, consoling themselves with an FA Cup final victory over Southampton.

2003-04

The 'Invincibles' season will forever stand out on Wenger's resume. Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was the only significant arrival in a quiet summer, (discounting a little known youngster called Cesc Fabregas, initially bound for the academy) as Arsenal's funds were taken up by the new stadium.

But it worked a treat as the Gunners became the first team since Preston North End more than a century before to complete a campaign unbeaten. Wenger had splashed the cash in the winter, signing Jose Antonio Reyes, and at the end of the season he agreed a deal to sign Robin van Persie for £3million.

2004-05

Arsenal's unbeaten run ended at 49 in the infamous ''Battle of the Buffet'' at Old Trafford, and it signalled another momentum swing as United regained the title. However, they did beat Ferguson's side on penalties in the FA Cup final, which would prove to be the last major trophy Wenger won for almost a decade.

2005-06

Vieira's departure to Juventus preceded a rapid fall in Arsenal's league fortunes as they only managed fourth place, their worst finish under Wenger.

However, there seemed no reason to panic as they reached the final of the Champions League, where they were edged out 2-1 by Barcelona after the controversial dismissal of goalkeeper Lehmann.

2006-07

A major end-of-season clearout saw the likes of Pires, Cygan, Campbell, Reyes and Ashley Cole transferred while Dennis Bergkamp retired, and without them Arsenal - celebrating a first season in their new 60,000-seater home in Ashburton Grove - again laboured to fourth, with little comfort to fall back on in the cup competitions.

2007-08

The exodus continued a summer later with Henry leaving for Barcelona, while Freddie Ljungberg and Reyes also departed. Arsenal topped the table for much of the season regardless, but faded to finish third, while losing to rivals Tottenham in the semi-finals of the League Cup.

2008-09

Wenger signed Samir Nasri and Mikael Silvestre in a bid to get back in the title frame, but Arsenal could do no better than fourth, while losing in both the FA Cup and Champions League semi-finals.

2009-10

Although Fabregas had now emerged as a truly outstanding player, scoring 19 goals from midfield, Arsenal were still off the pace in the league, finishing third, while they lost to Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

2010-11

Wenger spent big on Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci to try and fix Arsenal's defence, but it was a now familiar story in the league as they came in fourth. They had faded badly at the end of the season, something many attributed to their stunning League Cup final loss to Birmingham, who scored an 89th-minute winner as the Gunners' trophy drought went on.

2011-12

Big money deals for Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mikel Arteta did little to placate fans after the departure of Fabregas - and their fears were borne out by a 8-2 defeat to Manchester United. The season ended with another third-placed finish and cup campaigns that fizzled out early.

2012-13

Another tough summer saw Van Persie join United and Alex Song move to Barcelona. Wenger's new-look side found themselves in a battle with rivals Tottenham for the final Champions League place. Fourth spot - secured only on the final day of the season - was deemed a success, but unrest grew over the following summer until the club-record £42.5million signing of Mesut Ozil signalled new ambitions heading into 2014.

2013-2014

Despite again failing to deliver a sustained title bid, eventually finishing an all-too-familiar fourth and also going out of the Champions League once more to Bayern Munich, not to mention Wenger losing his 1,000th match in charge 6-0 at Chelsea, the long wait for some silverware to put in the Emirates Stadium cabinet was ended by an energy-sapping extra-time FA Cup final win over Hull, having trailed 2-0 inside the opening eight minutes.

The following day, an estimated 250,000 Gunners fans turned out to watch an open-top bus parade through Islington - which many probably thought would never come.

2014-2015

Chile forward Alexis Sanchez arrived in a £30million summer move from Barcelona, while England forward Danny Welbeck followed from Manchester United on deadline day. However, old inconsistencies continued as Arsenal would finish third in the table and suffer a hugely disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of Wenger's former club Monaco.

The FA Cup, though, brought more success - and this time with far less hassle as Aston Villa were thumped 4-0 at Wembley before the Gunners' got back on their bus.

2015-2016

The free transfer of Chelsea veteran Petr Cech was supposed to prove the missing piece in Arsenal's title jigsaw. Key defeats, though, in crucial matches, notably 4-0 at Southampton on Boxing Day, while also failing to see off below-par Chelsea and Manchester United teams meant the Gunners were unable to eat into Leceister's 10-point lead - but took some solace from finishing above Spurs once again on the final day.

Another exit in Europe at the last-16 stage came against Barcelona, while hopes of an FA Cup treble were ended by an unexpected home defeat to Watford in the quarter-finals.

2016-2017

After a failed summer move for Leicester and England striker Jamie Vardy, Wenger completed late deals for defender Shkodran Mustafi and forward Lucas Perez to add to the earlier addition of midfielder Granit Xhaka.

An opening weekend defeat to Liverpool was followed by an unbeaten run that had Arsenal in the mix in the Premier League title race until February when back-to-back defeats to Watford and eventual winners Chelsea saw them drop away.

Again the last-16 stage of the Champions League would be as far as Arsenal went, with Bayern Munich prevailing once more and the Gunners eventually finished fifth in the Premier League, the first time they have finished outside the top four under the Frenchman but they rounded off the season in style, beating Chelsea to win the FA Cup.