Arsenal round-up: Wenger discusses future; KAS Eupen youngster confident of move; cup final screening cancelled

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Arsene Wenger has admitted that the FA Cup final could be his final match in charge of Arsenal. The Gunners boss has yet to sign a new contract at the club and he continues to refuse to confirm whether he will be staying on at the Emirates Stadium. He was asked if this weekend could be his final game in charge of the club and his response shows that the uncertainty over his future remains. The Mirror report the following quotes:

“I don’t know. It will not be my last match anyway because I will stay in football. I want to win the cup for my club and that’s all I care about.

“Would it be a nice farewell? No, what I want is to win the next game. It’s not about me, it’s about us winning the trophy and giving everything to achieve it.”

The speculation regarding Wenger’s future has had a negative effect on the club’s season and it is an issue that should have been resolved months ago. However, the uncertainty remains and it will be a distraction once again at Wembley. It is likely that he will remain at the club, but these latest comments suggest that it isn’t a foregone conclusion.

Sky Sports report that Henry Onyekuru is optimistic of striking a deal to move to Arsenal this summer. The Gunners are in talks with KAS Eupen about the possibility of bringing him to the Emirates Stadium. They will face competition for his signature as Everton, Southampton, West Brom and Crystal Palace are also interested. However, Arsenal are the frontrunners for his signature as talks have already started and the club seem willing to meet his £6.8 million release clause. The teenager has turned down offers to stay in Belgium and has his sights on the Premier League.

The Nigerian has had a great season in Belgium and is one of the leading goalscorers in the Jupiler League. It is clear that he is an exciting talent and is already capable of competing in senior football. At the age of 19, he will be seen as one for the future by Arsene Wenger, but he would come in and provide competition for the first-team immediately. The Gunners need to be making bigger moves in the transfer market and the club will know that, but Onyekuru would be a smart piece of business considering his low release clause.

Finally, Arsenal have reluctantly decided to cancel the screening of the FA Cup final at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, amidst security fears. They were planning to show the game for supporters who couldn’t secure a ticket to Wembley, but have now decided against that due to the nation’s security threat level being raised to critical. The club have also decided they will not hold a victory parade if the club win the FA Cup final on Saturday for similar reasons. The Gunners don’t want to put any extra pressure on the police and security services in what is a difficult time in this country.

This will come as a disappointment to those planning to attend the events, but it is the correct decision. There will be extra planning going into the security for the FA Cup final after the tragic events in Manchester earlier this week and it is important that they get those right. However, the FA Cup final is one of the most hotly-anticipated days in this country and it could have a uniting effect this weekend.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Stuart MacFarlane