Prospective managerial targets for Arsenal are being put off joining as they believe they will not receive the backing needed to overhaul the squad.
Brendan Rodgers and Roberto Martinez are among those to reject the chance to hold formal talks with the Gunners — despite the fact both would have earlier jumped at the opportunity.
Rodgers was Arsenal’s No.1 target but he quickly committed his future to Leicester following Unai Emery’s departure and Martinez is focused on Euro 2020 with Belgium, which he believes he can win.
Both saw it as a non-starter due to limited funds they’d have to spend and the toxicity around the club.
(Image: Leicester City via Getty Images)
Arsenal have been known to not allow their manager a huge amount of money to splash on transfers, although they did spend £138m over the summer on bringing in the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Kieran Tierney and David Luiz.
Freddie Ljungberg has held a meeting with his stars today – on how to handle the toxic Emirates. During the Gunners previous two home defeats – against Eintracht Frankfurt and Brighton – the N5 faithful turned on their flops.
But Ljungberg said: “It’s the right of fans to be like this.
“Of course, I want them to be with us because I know how much that means to players.
“That’s something I will talk to them about. They know about it – but I’ll try to prepare them for it.”
(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
The Gunners face a tricky task on Sunday as they host Premier League champions Manchester City , although they will be encouraged by Monday’s 3-1 win against West Ham – Ljungberg’s first win since he took charge on an interim basis.
They then have a difficult looking run of games over the festive period, with matches against rejuvenated Everton and Bournemouth followed by Chelsea and Manchester United.
