Since hearing about Arsene's comments concerning Unreal Madrid over the weekend, I have had a vague feeling of unease. The consistent riposte in the past to such questions from Le Prof has always been unequivocal, he was committed to Arsenal and had no interest elsewhere. True there's a bunch of headline writers who have played fast and loose with the word 'interest' and suggested that he was interested rather than found it interesting. A world of difference as far as I can see. However we Gooners have always repeated the mantra that Arsene never breaks a contract. That's not only factually untrue, but as I understand it, his current agreement is a rolling contract, not as set in stone as some might think. Quite ironic in one way considering his policy with 30 year old players...

Whilst all the above is relevant, what concerns me most is his choice of words when replying to fans criticism of him. Describing his emotion as being made to feel like a murderer is pretty strong stuff for someone who is normally so measured with their words. And frankly I think he has a point. No I'm not an AKB because he does make mistakes, you'd be dumb to not admit that. Read earlier posts if you think I am. His whole demeanour over the past couple of weeks has been pretty negative for someone who generally tries to find the positive, even when the rest of us really don't see it!

What has to be a concern is what happens to Arsenal Football Club if Arsene leaves. A number of players have said quite openly they are here because of Arsene, how many will leave if he does? And who the heck can take over without wanting to make wholesale changes that we may not be able to afford to do? I can't see any other top manager taking the job with both his hands tied behind his back, although I don't believe the reports of how much we apparently have to spend.

It may be that Arsene being human, has had a wobbly couple of weeks and will come out of it. Or it may be that he feels he is not getting the support he deserves and has had enough. After all our expectation levels are almost entirely founded on the success he has brought to the club. There is no way we would have expected a major trophy every year and be so disappointed with a fourth place and two major semi-finals before Arsene. Either way, whatever happens, this is a most important time for the future of our great club. If Arsene leaves things may work out eventually, who can tell, but my expectation is that our best hope by far is if he stays.