Backed: Arsenal "need" Wenger to stay says Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov

Usmanov, in an interview with Rossiya24, said: "Arsenal’s results are stable. They are always among the leaders of the English Premier League. This is a good and large sports business project, and I am pleased with it.

“The only thing is that today such situation occurred, like in any sport, there are ups and downs. The club must retain its major symbol and main asset - manager Arsene Wenger.

“Failures have been haunting Arsenal for many years now, they cannot become the EPL champions. This has led to some discontent with Wenger's position as a manager.

“I believe that Arsene Wenger is a great coach, and Arsenal has to give him the opportunity to plan the succession process and leave his legacy when he deems it necessary.

“It is very important for the football club to maintain the principles that were established by those people who created its victories. Arsenal needs Arsene Wenger.”

That could be a major blow for some fans who have seen Usmanov as the preferred option because they believed he would demand success.

Usmanov has upset Wenger in the past by demanding more trophies and being critical of the club’s recent lack of success.

But this very noticeable change in direction is good news for Wenger and - indirectly - good for Kroenke as it proves that even if he went there would not be further change.

Fans have recently started chanting and banners against Kroenke who has been strong in his staunch defence for Wenger’s record.

Usmanov, who has recently taken up sole charge of his 30 per cent stake in the club, hinted at a succession plan but there is clearly no view from him to axe Wenger.

Wenger, 66, who has a year left on his current £8million-a-year contract has told those close to him that he wants to stay and rebuild the squad.

Firm backing from the club’s hierarchy and boardroom will only strengthen Wenger’s belief that he will carry on and not walk away this summer.