Arteta insists Arsenal have a ‘wonderful future’ despite surprise boardroom exit

Mikel Arteta has insisted Arsenal can look forward to a “wonderful future” despite the surprise departure of the vice-chair, Tim Lewis, as part of a boardroom reshuffle at the club.

It was confirmed on Friday that Lewis, who is regarded as a significant figure at Arsenal and played a key role in their £250m summer spending spree alongside the new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has left after fulfilling several roles under the American owners, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), since they first invested in Arsenal in 2007.

Stan and Josh Kroenke will remain as co-chairs, with the managing director, Richard Garlick, promoted to chief executive and the KSE representatives Kelly Blaha, Otto Maly and the film producer and director Ben Winston – son of professor Robert Winston – joining the club’s board as non-executive directors.

There have been numerous changes behind the scenes at Arsenal since Arteta was appointed in December 2019 and he was adamant that Lewis’s exit will not affect the smooth running of the club. “Wonderful future, that’s the only thing that I can say,” said Arteta when asked if he had a message for supporters.

“I’m so positive about it and every time I speak to Stan and Josh and how willing they are, the projection that they have, the vision they have for the football club, the people that we have around it, there’s no question that there are big things ahead,” he said.

“I’ve been very lucky to work with some wonderful people that I have learned so much from. It’s sad because we spend so much time together. You have to move on and maintain that personal relationship for sure and then people have gone on to do various jobs, some of them have been very successful in other places, and wish them all the best.”

Martin Ødegaard has not trained ahead of Sunday’s game against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium due to a shoulder injury but Arteta said there was a chance Arsenal’s captain could still feature.

The manager must also decide whether or not to recall William Saliba after the Frenchman recovered from an ankle injury as the hosts attempt to make it five matches unbeaten against Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League – a streak that no other team has managed.

“It’s about winning again and creating another good moment for us,” said Arteta. “Consistency, competing against one of the best teams, obviously, in the world. It’s a good test for us to see our level as well.”

Asked if he regarded City as title rivals, Arteta said: “Without a doubt. Knowing really well Pep and the demands he’s going to put there, the mentality they have in that football club, the squad and the players they have, they’re going to be there for sure.”

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