Arsene Wenger is determined to enjoy a triumphant end to the season after meeting Stan Kroenke on Thursday.
Arsenal manager targeting title after Kroenke meeting
Arsene Wenger is determined to enjoy a triumphant end to the season after meeting Stan Kroenke for the first time since the American took a controlling share in the club.
Kroenke triggered a mandatory buyout offer for the Gunners earlier this week after securing a 62.89 per cent holding and has vowed to bring back the glory days following a six-year trophy drought.
Arsenal still have a chance of ending their long wait for silverware this season, and can move to within four points of Premier League leaders Manchester United by beating Liverpool this Sunday.
Wenger maintains that his concentration is solely on trying to deliver the title to Emirates Stadium rather than the ownership of the club.
After meeting Kroenke at the ground, where they had gathered to pay tribute to the late Arsenal director Danny Fiszman, Wenger said: "I am aware of the offer but you will appreciate that the takeover is subject to various rules and as such I can't comment further.
"I think I have a responsibility to bring success to the team, to be consistent at the top and to manage the club well. For me it is important as well that everybody inside the club does what they are responsible for.
"My focus will be on ensuring the team has a successful run in to the end to the season. We have a lot to play for."
Injury boost
Arsenal's hopes of overhauling United at the top of the table have also been boosted by the speedy recoveries of two key players.
Wojciech Szczesny is racing to be fit for the clash with Liverpool following a finger injury and could come back in for 41-year-old goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.
Johan Djourou, who had previously been expected to miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder problem, may also be in contention for the eagerly-awaited fixture.
Alex Song (knee) and Denilson (toe) could also return but Bacary Sagna (knee) is a doubt while Manuel Almunia could also miss out.
"We have no new injuries but we have a big doubt on Sagna," Wenger told
Arsenal TV Online.
"Djourou and Wojciech are question marks. Will they be fit? That all has still to be decided. We have two more days to find out. It could be a possibility that they could be available.
"It's difficult to say what their chances are. We have a test today [Thursday], we have a big test to see how they survive the training session. That will be very important.
"Denilson and Song have a chance to be available as well."
Long-term absentee Thomas Vermaelen has also returned to training but is unlikely to be risked after spending seven months out with an Achilles injury.
"I am not reluctant [to use him] but he is not match-fit yet," said Wenger.
"He has just joined the team this week so we have to be a bit patient with him."
