Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis insists there is 'no complacency' at club after Arsene Wenger signs new contract

Wenger has signed a new two-year deal at the north London club

Arsene Wenger has been at the club for 21 years after joining in 1996 (Getty)

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has insisted there is “no complacency anywhere at this club” after the north Londoners handed manager Arsene Wenger a two-year contract following another season of controversy.

The contract was agreed on Monday between Wenger and majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, before being ratified by the club's board on Tuesday. The club confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon.

The decision to prolong Wenger’s time at the club to an astonishing 23 years comes in the wake of significant fan unrest, with large sections of the Arsenal faithful calling for the 67-year-old to step down.

Despite securing a record-breaking seventh FA Cup title under Wenger, this is the first season that Arsenal have finished outside of the top four since the Frenchman took over in 1996.

But chief executive Gazidis has no concerns that Arsenal are at risk of further stagnating under Wenger, stating the club has “the platform to be successful” in the years to come.

“There is no complacency anywhere at this club,” Gazidis said.

“Our goal is to compete for and win trophies here and in Europe. Everything we do is designed to make that happen and we will be working hard on and off the pitch this summer to improve and make a strong challenge next season.

“The club has grown beyond recognition in every aspect in recent years and we have the platform to be successful and meet the ambitions we and our fans share.”

Majority shareholder Kroenke was also insistent that Wenger is the man to take Arsenal forward in their search for domestic and European titles.

“Our ambition is to win the Premier League and other major trophies in Europe,” the American added.

“It’s what the fans, players, staff, manager and board expect and we won’t rest until that is achieved. Arsène is the best person to help us make that happen. He has a fantastic track record and has our full backing.”


 Wenger will stay for two more years 
 (Getty)

Wenger himself said: “I love this club and I am looking forward to the future with optimism and excitement.

“We are looking at what we do well and how we can be stronger everywhere. This is a strong group of players and with some additions we can be even more successful. We’re committed to mounting a sustained league challenge and that will be our focus this summer and next season."