ARSENAL refused yesterday to officially confirm the worst kept secret in football - that Arsene Wenger is to become the new manager at Highbury - while striker Ian Wright claimed that stand in manager Stewart Houston refused to speak to him for "three or four days" following his comments about Bruce Rioch's dismissal.
Arsenal's anxiety to install a new boss has become even more pronounced following Monday night's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool and they were expected to announce that 46 year old Wenger is the successor to Bruce Rioch.
But Arsenal have had their plans put on hold by the Frenchman's current club, Grampus Eight, with the Japanese seemingly unwilling to play ball over the long term future of their coach.
Wenger admitted that he was Arsenal bound when he said: "It will be very soon, but I cannot say exactly when. Perhaps early next week. We have agreed, but they (Gram pus Eight) want more time."
Wenger may already be pulling the strings behind the scenes at Arsenal and is reported to have submitted a list of top class players that he wants to challenge Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool for the game's top honours.
Compatriot David Ginola has been linked with a move to London following reports that he has been increasingly unsettled at St James' Park after the summer speculation linking him to Barcelona.
Wenger said: "He (Ginola) is a very good player for Newcastle, but the balance of the team is the most important thing. It is not only the quality of a player which matters, but whether he would fit, in with the team."
Wright's remarks won't have helped the atmosphere at Highbury. Houston and other senior club like Tony Adams, Paul Merson and Martin Keown have publicly voiced their disapproval of Rioch's removal only five days before the start of the new season.
But Wright, who stunned Arsenal fans by putting in a transfer request after a series of spats with Rioch last season, indicated last week he was not unhappy to see the back of the former Bolton boss.
He also staunchly defended club vice chairman David Dein the man seen by many as the prime mover in Rioch's dismissal. Wright said yesterday: "I spoke my mind when Bruce Rioch got the sack and some people didn't like it.
"The players were happy, and what has been said about the boys having a go at me is crap. But the coaching staff blanked me. They didn't talk to me for three or four days, but I've always said what I mean and if people can't take it they can kiss my ass.
"It is an unfortunate business we are in, but Bruce Rioch and Ian Wright come and go at a club. It is the club which stays and I don't see any good in hiding the truth.
"I just wanted the fans to know the situation as I saw it.
Wright, who has a new autobiographical book out called Mr Wright in which he lifts the lid off happenings inside Highbury as well as colourful adventures in his own private life, is now looking forward to the arrival of Wenger.
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