Transfer Centre

Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis promises "top-quality" additions

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 01 July 2017

Ivan Gazidis backs Arsene Wenger to get things right following another frustrating campaign last time out, with "top-quality" arrivals promised.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has promised to back Arsene Wenger with the funds to bring in "top-quality players", while also insisting that the decision to award the manager a new contract was not a sentimental one.

The Gunners are in the market for attacking options this summer after falling well short in the Premier League last season, finishing 18 points adrift of champions Chelsea.

A number of supporters turned on long-serving boss Wenger last term during another frustrating campaign, but Gazidis has urged the fanbase to stick together ahead of what he hopes will be a year of success on the field.

"It wasn't a sentimental decision," he said at a fan event when asked about Wenger's new two-year deal. "It was a mutual one... I care about the club and those values. I want the club to be successful.

"There has been disagreement. There has been a lack of unity and dissatisfaction. The board knows that. I beg you, please come together and give our manager and this team support. I want the atmosphere to be united and it has been a struggle because we haven't had that.

"We're looking for top-quality players this summer. We've got three times as many scouts as we had four years ago. I believe that to be a world-class football club you've got to be world class off the pitch."

Arsenal have already reportedly missed out on two of their top targets in French attackers Thomas Lemar and Alexandre Lacazette, while a bid has been tabled for Riyad Mahrez.