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Wenger quit fears
Arsenal, 11:49, November 8, 2009 ,
A leading newspaper is claiming Arsene Wenger will quit Arsenal if Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov gains control of the club.
The article in the News of the World is also suggesting the Frenchman would turn his back on the Gunners in favour of a move to Real Madrid as he sees no future for himself under Usmanov even though he is willing to let him spend big.
Wenger is therefore keeping his fingers crossed for Stan Kroenke's takeover at the Emirates, who is already within reach of acquiring a 30 per cent stake in the club which would enable him to launch a bid.
An Arsenal insider told the paper: "If somehow Usmanov managed to take control then Arsene, who is otherwise utterly loyal to the club, would quit.
"He doesn't want any owner interfering with the way he is developing the team. He has long been resistant to bringing big money signings in.
"He has a plan and everyone is seeing it come to fruition. That's not to say along the way he won't bring in some players but he will only do so on his terms. Arsene has made the board very aware of that and that he couldn't work with an owner who insists on spending big money on new players.
"As it stands Arsene is happy working with Kroenke on the board because he has shown no interest in interfering. The same can't be said for Usmanov."
The interest in Wenger from Real is long standing, and it was only last summer he knocked back their advances.