No-change Wenger welcomes new owners

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that his players will not be affected by the club’s change of ownership.

American Stan Kroenke owns 62 per cent of the club’s shares after agreeing to buy out both Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and Danny Fiszman, the latter of whom passed away on Thursday after a long illness.

But Wenger says that his side are unaffected and will prepare for Liverpool on Sunday in the same fashion as they have their previous 31 Premier League games.

“A change of ownership is always significant. But on the football side of things, we will continue to focus on playing football the way we want to and develop our players,” Wenger said.

“We have a squad of players around 23 years of age and we are in a good position in the league.”

“We have a certain philosophy about how we play our football and we will continue to focus on developing that and to play even better.”

And Wenger insists his day-to-day job will not change now that Kroenke is in charge.

“On a day-to-day basis, it will not change anything,” he added.

“We will continue to run the club in the way it has been until now.

“That is to live with our resources, produce our own resources and develop our football team.

“I had a long board meeting with Stan Kroenke on Thursday and he will be coming to the game on Sunday.”

Arsenal are undefeated in their last 14 Premier League games and can keep the pressure on leaders Manchester United with a win at the Emirates on Sunday.

Wenger, boosted by the return to fitness of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and defender Johan Djourou, is convinced his charges can still make up the seven points to United.

“We have to look at it in a positive way. We have a good opportunity to reduce the distance between ourselves and Manchester United. We want to take it,” Wenger said.

“Liverpool had a good win on Monday night (against Manchester City) so of course it will be tough.”

“They have a good offensive force with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. We are also an offensive team so it promises to be an interesting game.”

“I think it is an opportunity we want to take and that is one of the games that can help us move towards our target.”

Midfielders Aaron Ramsey (groin) and Denilson (ankle) are doubtful, while Arsenal will definitely be without goalkeeper Lucasz Fabianski (shoulder) and defender Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles tendon).