"Gunners out to end their trophy drought"

Gazidis and Wenger

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has declared that the club will begin this season with an intent to end their seven year trophy drought. The Gunners have failed to win any silverware since winning the F.A.Cup in 2005 and after losing Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas last season, the Emirates outfit are expected to lose Robin van Persie owing to their ‘lack of ambition’.

But Gazidis insists the club is targeting a major trophy and have already begun their pursuit by adding German international Lukas Podolski to their ranks. Gazidis said:

“We have to take a step further and win the Premier League or win the Champions League – that’s what our goal is.

“We added an important player in Podolski and we will have the return of Jack Wilshere this year, which will be a big boost for the team. We are also talking to people in this summer’s transfer market, I think there will be something exciting for our fans to be happy about.

“We want to do business carefully. We don’t have to add many players, but we have to be very selective. The players we add must bring something to the team. That’s what Wenger is doing and he’s done a good job over the year to identify special talent. I am sure he will do it again.”

But with the rumors of last season’s leading goalscorer van Persie leaving for Juventus looming large, the fans are concerned if club will be able to perform well. The Dutchman is yet to sign a contract extension and with just one year remaining on his current deal, the Gunners might decide to sell him this year rather than letting him go on a free transfer. Gazidis insists the fans need to remain patient and said:

“As for Robin, we had a good discussion with him at the end of the season and we agreed that he will focus on the European Championships and we wouldn’t say anything about the discussions. We ask for our fans to be patient while Robin participates in an important tournament.”