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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Arsenal set to unveil Arsene Wenger statue alongside former Gunners trio

Arsene Wenger's legacy is set to continue with the Frenchman poised to have a statue unveiled outside the Emirates.

The Arsenal great managed the north London outfit for 22 years, saying his goodbyes in 2018 after a hugely influential tenure. He won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups and also oversaw the change from Highbury to their new modern stadium, playing a vital role in the design of the 60,000 arena.

Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp - two pillars of his success at Arsenal - have seen themselves immortalised with statues whilst Tony Adams, who was captain for some of Wenger's triumphs is also remembered. Wenger is now set to join them, according to Gunnerblog.

The Frenchman was hired by Arsenal in 1996 and within two years had delivered the double to Highbury. Wenger was able to topple Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United - despite jibes from the Scot who was determined to unsettle the new arrival. Instead Wenger proved his worth and so began arguably the greatest rival in Premier League history.

Wenger oversaw title triumphs in 2002 - which was won at Old Trafford - and in 2004. The latter saw the Gunners go undefeated throughout the season, earning themselves the Invincibles tag. The Frenchman's haul of seven FA Cups is also a record.

Now working with FIFA, the 72-year-old left his mark on English football - changing the attitude towards nutrition. Wenger has a mural of himself at the Arsenal training ground alongside a quote from the Frenchman that reads: “Here you have the opportunity to get out the greatness that is in each of you.”

Have Your Say! Where will Arsenal finish next season? Tell us what you think here.

Wenger has remained away from the club since calling it a day four years ago. Unai Emery was hired as his successor but lasted just over 12 months before Mikel Arteta, a player signed by Wenger, was handed his first big job in management. The Spaniard has since won the FA Cup but narrowly missed out on the top four last season.

Arteta has also claimed that he would like the club legend to still be involved in some capacity. He said previously: "What I can say is that I would like him to be much closer personally to me. Because I think it would be a great help, and it would be a great help for the club.

"Things take time and I think he has to dictate those timings. What I can say is from my side and I can talk, I think, on behalf of everybody that we would be delighted to have him much closer.”

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