Mikel Arteta has insisted Arsenal can look forward to a “wonderful future” despite the surprise departure of vice-chair Tim Lewis as part of a boardroom reshuffle. Lewis, a key figure in the club’s £250m summer spending spree alongside new sporting director Andrea Berta, left after fulfilling several roles under American owners Kroenke Sports & Entertainment since 2007.
Stan and Josh Kroenke remain co-chairs, with managing director Richard Garlick promoted to chief executive. KSE representatives Kelly Blaha, Otto Maly and film producer Ben Winston join the board as non-executive directors. Arteta, appointed in December 2019, said Lewis’s exit would not affect the club’s smooth running.
“Wonderful future, that’s the only thing I can say,” Arteta told reporters. “Every time I speak to Stan and Josh, how willing they are, the projection they have, the vision for the football club, the people around it – there’s no question that big things are ahead.” He added it was “sad” to see Lewis go but wished him well.
On the pitch, captain Martin Ødegaard has not trained due to a shoulder injury ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City, though Arteta said there was a chance he could feature. William Saliba may return after recovering from an ankle injury as Arsenal aim for a fifth consecutive unbeaten league game against City.
“It’s about winning again and creating another good moment,” Arteta said. “Consistency, competing against one of the best teams in the world. It’s a good test for us to see our level.” He described City as title rivals “without a doubt”, citing Pep Guardiola’s demands and the squad’s quality.
