Arsenal round-up: Wenger hesitant on future; Mustafi still holds title aspirations; Manchester City-man linked

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Ahead of their match with Hull City, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to clarify his own future at the club, despite speculation of a new two-year contract being offered to him. The last two league games have damaged Arsenal’s title ambitions and have led to many calling for the manager to leave at the end of the season. However, there have been rumours that he is set to remain at the club. Wenger has refused to confirm that he has received this contract offer.

“I answer that question every week and nothing has changed compared to last week. That’s basically it.”

This doesn’t clear up anything regarding the Frenchman’s future and the speculation will continue over the coming months. It is important that the side finish the season well and there is a good opportunity for them to do so. They remain in three competitions and they have a squad that should be challenging for major honours. The main issue surrounding Wenger’s immediate future is whether the club have anybody lined up. If they don’t, then it would be foolish to part ways with the Frenchman, as he is doing a steady, if unremarkable, job. The club needs to have a replacement in mind before allowing Wenger to leave.

German defender Shkodran Mustafi has faith that Arsenal can still be Premier League champions at the end of this season, despite losing their last two fixtures. The club are now 12 points behind league leaders Chelsea and with 14 matches to play, they will need to have a near perfect record to catch the Blues. It is typical Arsenal to fall off the pace at this late stage, but Mustafi has been talking to Sky Sports about his belief in the Gunners’ title challenge.

“I think it’s going to be more difficult than it was before but I’m a believer,”

“As long as it’s possible we’re going to fight for it, and in the end, we will see and if we’re lucky enough and good enough to go for it or not.”

It is important that the players remain confident as there is little ambition is only targeting a top four finish, but it is unlikely Arsenal finish top of the table. Firstly, Chelsea are in remarkable form and it is difficult to see them falling away. Furthermore, Tottenham and Manchester City are both playing better than Arsenal at this current time. Therefore, even if Chelsea don’t win the title, Arsenal aren’t the team most likely to take advantage.

Finally, there have been doubts cast over Petr Cech’s future at the club after some poor performances. There have been a few occasions that he has let the side down and it could now be time for Arsenal to find a long-term solution to their goalkeeping problems. Cech has done well, but he was never going to be the first choice goalkeeper for a long period, due to his age. The Mail report that Arsenal could be looking at England number one Joe Hart with Manchester City willing to sell for around £15 million.

There is also interest from Liverpool and Arsenal must decide on the future of Wojciech Szczesny before making any moves for a goalkeeper. However, Hart could be the perfect option for Arsene Wenger this summer for several reasons. He is home-grown, has experience at the top level and will have something to prove after being shipped out to Torino on loan. Last summer would have hurt Hart as he was publicly hung out to dry by Pep Guardiola. Despite these events, there is no doubting his quality and he would be a great signing for Arsenal.

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