Arsene Wenger Talks Arsenal Commitment Amid Real Madrid, Barcelona, City Rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he was approached by a variety of top clubs during a “difficult” period with the Gunners but turned them down to ensure stability at the north London club.

Per Dominic Fifield in the Guardian, the clubs in question are thought to be Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City, but Wenger explained he made a commitment to stay on at Arsenal as they paid back the debt accrued from the building of the Emirates Stadium in 2006:

“When we built the stadium the banks demanded I signed for five years. I did it. Do you want me to tell you how many clubs I turned down during that period? I have shown I am committed.”

Fifield added that Real reportedly approached Wenger in 2009 and 2010, while offers from Barca and City also came at that time.

Wenger has faced increasing criticism this season from fans and commentators as Arsenal have yet again failed to maintain a genuine title challenge in the Premier League and went out of the UEFA Champions League at the last-16 stage for the sixth year running.

A protest against the Gunners hierarchy is being prepared for their clash with Norwich City on Saturday at the Emirates with supporters group The Black Scarf Movement bemoaning “a complacent board” and “a manager who seems to be past his best.”

Wenger, 66, believes he does not deserve such treatment after more than 20 years at the club and gave examples of how he has remained loyal to Arsenal over time and maintained a high …

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