Arsenal are reportedly ready to build a statue of Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium. The Telegraph claims that while talks have been ongoing for years about the issue, the Gunners and Wenger have finally agreed to make the statue happen.
News of a potential statue comes after Wenger finally returned to his former home stadium. The Frenchman was seen in the crowd at Arsenal’s match against West Ham on Monday. It was the first time that Wenger was inside the stadium for a game since he departed the club in 2018.
Wenger would be proud of team’s performance
Wenger returned at the right time. Arsenal dominated the Hammers 3-1 on the night. Current coach Mikel Arteta responded to post-match questions about putting on a show for his former manager.
“Obviously, it’s great and winning means my mood is going to be much better to speak to him and be around the team,” said Arteta. “So yeah, he picked the right moment. A really special day, because Boxing Day is a beautiful day to play football. And I thought the performance was at the level today that he deserves, and hopefully he will like.”
Arteta and former team chairman David Dein have both asked Wenger to return to catch a match for months. The former boss received a warm welcome by the fans and was even serenaded by the crowd with a song as well. Wenger even went down into the dressing room to meet with the players after the victory.
Statue is just a matter of time for Wenger
Wenger was always going to get a statue erected outside of the Emirates. After all, he was not only extremely successful during his time in north London, but he was also a major factor in the stadium being built.
The manager will join current statues of Herbert Chapman, Thierry Henry, Tony Adams, and Dennis Bergkamp at the arena. Exact plans on timing are not yet confirmed. However, there has been a suggestion that Wenger’s statue could be completed as early as next year.
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