The ‘Arsene Out’ section of the fanbase, led by Piers Morgan, has tried – and failed – to have the Premier League’s longest-serving manager axed in the past due to his failure to secure a big-money striker during the transfer window.
Karim Benzema is the name repeatedly linked with Arsenal when the two allotted shopping windows are open and every year it fails to materialise.
A summer of disappointment led to Swansea being the only Premier League club to spend less than Arsenal during the transfer window.
But for Wenger money is not everything. In a situation where some managers may feel obliged to splash the cash, Wenger proudly admits that his lack of spending is down to his pure love for the north London club:
‘I’ll give myself merit for one thing: I’ve always treated Arsenal as if it belonged to me,’ Wenger told the Mirror.
‘I have sometimes been criticised for it — because I am not enough of a spender, not carefree enough.
‘I credit myself for having had the courage to apply my ideas and fight for them. Aside from that, I can understand why people might not agree,’ he added.
The Arsenal manager also discussed what spurs him on, what defiantly wills him on to yet another Premier League campaign:
‘My great pride will be to be able to say the day that I leave, that I am leaving behind a good team, a healthy situation and a club capable of performing in the future,’ he said.
‘I could have said to myself: “I am here for four or five years, we win everything.” [Then] I leave and leave the club on the verge of bankruptcy. For me, consistency at the highest level is the true sign of great clubs.’