Arsenal round-up: Wenger admits contract delay cost club; Sanchez ready to stay; new kit manufacturer targeted

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Arsene Wenger admits that the uncertainty over his future probably cost Arsenal a place in this season’s Champions League. The Frenchman’s future became a distraction during the second half of last season and it certainly had an effect on the players. The Independent report the following quotes from the Gunners’ boss regarding the atmosphere last season:

“It’s down to us to put a positive atmosphere around the team. A lot was created by my own situation. Maybe I made a mistake.”

This is an enlightening quote from the Arsenal manager as he takes responsibility for the failures of last season. Wenger has been accused of being stubborn in the past, but these quotes suggest that he is willing to admit regret and see things from another perspective. This can only be a positive ahead of the new season. As his future has been resolved for the next two seasons, this won’t be an issue for the coming campaign and the Gunners can focus on what is happening on the pitch.

Alexis Sanchez moves closer to staying at the Emirates Stadium with every passing day and the Mirror report that he is ready to accept the club’s stance. This will mean that he sees out his final year at Arsenal before leaving on a free transfer. Arsene Wenger has insisted that he has the support of his board when it comes to Sanchez and it now seems like the Chilean has accepted that. He has dropped hints to team-mates and friends that he will be staying in North London.

Despite the financial implications, Arsenal have to be commended for their position on Sanchez. It would be damaging for them to lose a key player ahead of a vital season, especially in terms of their relationship with supporters. If he leaves on a free transfer next summer, the Gunners will look strong and they are now prioritising football over money. That hasn’t always been the case during recent seasons, but there has now been a change and that does suggest a bright future for the club.

This won’t be seen as headline news, but it could be an interesting story for Arsenal supporters to keep an eye on. The Mirror report that the club are looking to change their kit manufacturer, despite their deal with Puma having two years left to run. They want the change in order to bring in more money and bring them on a level playing field with their Premier League rivals. The Gunners’ current deal is worth £150 million, while Chelsea’s recent agreement with Nike is worth £900 million. There is a huge difference and it is easy to see why the club want a change.

The finances in football are crazy, but clubs need to adjust to the times and make sure they have the best chance of achieving success, which means sponsorship deals such as these become crucial. Arsenal have missed out on the Champions League this season and if they continue to finish outside of the top four, their finances will suffer. This is why they need to maximise their income elsewhere.