Following weeks of speculation on his future, news broke on Sunday night that Arsene Wenger has told Arsenal he wants to stay past this season, according to John Cross. But after Cross broke the news, Jeremy Wilson followed up with an additional tidbit — no announcement of an extension is planned, and he might not get one if Arsenal keeps struggling.
Arsene Wenger wants to stay at Arsenal. Does their board still want him?
Until Saturday, it looked like Wenger could stay at Arsenal as long as he wanted. That might not be true anymore.
Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
This news led to rumors that Arsenal has reached out to Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel about his interest in a move to London, which the club has denied.
Before the Gunners’ loss to West Bromwich Albion, fans flew dueling “#WengerOut” and “#respectAW” banners over The Hawthorns. At this point, that battle isn’t about wins and losses, but whether or not Wenger deserves to go out on his own terms.
Goal of the day
Jesse Lingard’s stunner for Manchester United. (r/soccer)
In the news
The USMNT has been forced to replace the injured Bobby Wood on their roster. (Stars and Stripes FC)
David Moyes says he dropped Didier Ndong because his midfield needed “more Britishness.” Seriously. (Sunderland Echo)
El Clásico has a date: Sunday, April 23. (AS)
Derry City captain Ryan McBride stunningly died this weekend just one day after playing in a game. (Guardian)
Were you hoping you could watch Manchester United in America this summer? You’re in luck. (ESPN FC)
The AC Milan sale looks dead, with Sino-Europe Sports investors peeling away and the group failing to deposit €100m on Monday. (AC Milan Offside)
You should be reading
Andy Brassell on whether or not Thomas Tuchel would be the right fit for Arsenal. (Guardian)
Will Magee on the guy who’s making awesome lego soccer stadiums. (Vice)
David Tully on Darrell Clarke, who’s making a name for himself by turning around Bristol Rovers. (In Bed With Maradona)
What happened this weekend
Adam Lallana’s miss was the biggest play of the weekend, and it’s a microcosm for the challenges Liverpool faces for the rest of the season.
Barcelona had to win a shootout to grab three points against Valencia. (Barca Blaugranes)
Real Madrid struggled in a win too, scraping past Athletic Bilbao. (Managing Madrid)
Continuing the theme, Juventus held onto a narrow win over Sampdoria. (Black and White and Read All Over)
And Bayern Munich did just enough to beat Borussia Mönchengladbach. (Bavarian Football Works)
