90min

Josh Kroenke to attend Arsenal's final game of season at home to Brighton

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Kroenke has not been spotted in north London since the pandemic begun
Kroenke has not been spotted in north London since the pandemic begun / Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
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Arsenal director Josh Kroenke will attend the Gunners' final match of the season against Brighton on Sunday - his first game since 2020.

The Kroenke family have never been less popular at the Emirates Stadium than they are currently. Last month they were one of six English clubs who attempted to form a breakaway Super League, leading to widespread fan protests.

Arsenal v Villareal CF - UEFA Europa League Semi Final: Leg Two
Arsenal fans protested before their Europa League game against Villarreal recently / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

It is not just the ESL debacle that supporters are angry about, though. There is a perception that the Kroenke's have made a string of poor decisions over the last few years, resulting in the Gunners' worst season in recent memory this time out.

Although Arsenal could still sneak a place in next year's Europa Conference League, they could miss out on Europe altogether for the first time since the 1990s. Further fan protests are expected against the ownership on Sunday, and Kroenke's presence could inflame tensions.

As reported by The Athletic, the director has been in London for at the past few days. He visited the club's training ground on Saturday to stress the need for "unity" as well as reassuring the players about plans for improvement next season.

He also spoke one on one with manager Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has been under severe pressure recently thanks to Arsenal's poor form, but it is expected that he will start next season at the helm. He could oversee a significant squad overhaul as well.

Defender David Luiz will depart on a free transfer in the summer and he is not the only player set to leave. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno, as well as Alexandre Lacazette and Hector Bellerin have also been linked with moves. In terms of incomings, Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand is a target, although he is attracting interest from Europe bound Leicester City.

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