Arsenal distance themselves from Unai Emery break clause claim
Arsenal have distanced themselves from claims new head coach Unai Emery has a break clause in his contract.
It was reported this morning that the Gunners have the option to remove the Spaniard at no cost after two years at the helm, giving the club some additional protection should Emery fall short of expectations.
However, when contacted by Standard Sport this morning, an Arsenal spokesman insisted he was “not aware” of any such clause, although the suggestion was not completely denied.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis was adamant Arsenal’s rigorous recruitment process to find Arsene Wenger’s successor had ended by finding the perfect candidate.
Speaking at Emery’s unveiling last month, Gazidis said: “This kind of significant change in a club doesn’t deliver instant success. Nobody is naive enough to think that.
“But I do think the new way of working, the new energy... It’s not a criticism of Arsene, I just think that change stimulates the environment and I think it’s going to be very positive.
“I could not possibly feel better about this appointment. And the feeling that we have between each other - and we’ve spent a lot of time over the last few days together — is I feel better and better about it by the hour.”
Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. Stephan Lichtsteiner is also set to sign on a free transfer from Juventus while Paris Saint-Germain youngster Yacine Adli is another target.
