Arsenal Supporters Trust will have a lot to ask Mr. Gazidis when he meets around 300 fans to answer questions and outline his future policy. The AST has already sent in their proposed questions and, unsurprisingly, top of the agenda is the Robin van Persie saga.
Arsenal supporters are becoming increasingly disillusioned by the statements of the Arsenal board. Gazidis has promised investment in the team but it never seems to materialize. The loss of Fabregas and Nasri last summer was bad enough. The timing was appalling as it left a massive hole in the midfield which was a major factor in the Gunners atrocious start to the season.
If Arsenal follow up this summer by failing to keep star man and Captain Robin van Persie by not showing him the club ambition he has been crying out for, it will be a disaster. Imagine him signing for Manchester City and then having to see him and Nasri pick up Premier league winner’s medals.
AST will be demanding assurances that Arsene Wenger is finally going to be allowed a decent war chest to avoid the club falling further behind the big spenders. I know we do things differently, but there comes a time when you need a few established stars and that time is now. Van Persie will stay if we can match his personal ambition, but you could not blame him for thinking that one cup winner’s medal is not enough to show for his Arsenal career.
Another item on the agenda will be Alisher Usmanov and his investment group Red and White holdings. With a 30% share in Arsenal, he wants a seat on the board and can bring significant investment to the team. AST want to know why silent Stan is blocking this.
Let us all hope that Gazidis takes on board what the real fans have to say.