Dein: Wenger was unsure

Former vice-chairman reveals manager's concern

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 8th September 2007

david dein arsenal vice chairman

Dein: Wenger revelation

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Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has claimed Arsene Wenger came close to leaving the Gunners this summer.

Wenger ended speculation he was heading for the Emirates Stadium exit by putting pen-to-paper on a new contract which will keep him at Arsenal until 2011.

But Dein, who left Arsenal in April, has revealed the Frenchman's initial indecision in agreeing new terms.

"When I left his future was very much in the balance," Dein told Sky Sports News. "He said to me at the time that he wasn't sure if he wanted to stay on.

"We had a chat and I thought it was important that he should stay on for the future of the club.

"With the players that he is bringing through and his eye for talent, it was a major decision for him to stay.

"It was terribly important for the club that he should re-sign. I think he is essential. In fact he is more than that I think he is vital to the future of the football club."

No Takeover bid

Dein is now chairman of the company Red and White, which is co-owned by Alisher Usmanov.

The Russian billionaire recently bought out Dein's 14. 58 per cent share in Arsenal and it was thought a full takeover bid was planned.

However, Dein insists this is not the case although he does believe Arsenal will have to seek investment if they are to keep up with fellow Premier League clubs who have recently undergone a change in ownership.

"There is no takeover planned and it will remain at the status quo for the moment," Dein added.

"The question of future investment will remain to be seen what happens.

"I can see the landscape is changing and it will continue to change and in the fullness of time I think you will see that more investment will be needed."