The Gunners haven't won the Premier League for 14 years and will miss out on Champions League qualification for the second successive season unless they win the Europa League, where they face Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals. "We are not going to find a replacement for Arsene Wenger for a variety of reasons," said Gazidis as he addressed a press conference at the club's Emirates stadium on Friday. "The football club is in a very different place than it was 22 years ago and it's unthinkable to me we will have another manager in the Premier League, let alone Arsenal, who will be 22 years in tenure and have the kind of run of consistent success Arsene had over those years."Those numbers ?#MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/dbwEyIp06G
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018
In spite of Arsenal's struggles on the field in recent seasons, they remain the sixth richest club in the world, according to financial consultants Deloitte's annual Football Money League. And Gazidis claimed Wenger leaves the club in far better shape than when he arrived as a shock appointment from Japanese side Grampus Eight in 1996. "Arsene often said he wanted to leave the club in a better position than when he found it," added Gazidis. "We are in a better place today than we could ever have imagined 22 years ago. The foundations of this club have never been stronger and this gives me great confidence as we begin to chart the path ahead."49 #PL games unbeaten ?
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 20, 2018
Top-flight record broken ✅
Arsene Wenger's @Arsenal Invincibles ? pic.twitter.com/m1DH2YCVow
However, Gazidis repeatedly avoided questioning on whether he wanted Wenger to see out the final year of a two-year contract extension he signed last summer. The Wall Street Journal reported that Wenger had chosen to leave on his own terms rather than face being pushed out at the end of the season. Gazidis, though, claimed the wheels hadn't been put in motion to appoint a successor until Wenger made his decision public.Passion, respect and success- that is what Arsene Wenger is all about. Thank u for what you've done for us at @Arsenal and the football world. ⚽️ I'm grateful for everything you've taught me & all the trust you've put in me no matter how difficult the situation was.Merci Boss! pic.twitter.com/2KyoLyWrVT
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) April 20, 2018
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Germany coach Joachim Loew are among the front runners with the bookies in a wide-open field of contenders. "We haven't had any discussions to date regarding that process," added Gazidis. "The most important thing is to make the right appointment not a quick appointment.""He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers."
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 20, 2018
Players and managers pay tribute to Arsene Wenger as he is set to leave Arsenal.
Watch/read ? https://t.co/eXFewFKIdn pic.twitter.com/m0jT81d7ni
'He was extraordinary'
— BBC Radio 5 live (@bbc5live) April 20, 2018
An emotional Bob Wilson tells @NickyAACampbell how Arsene Wenger helped him 'through difficult times for him and his wife'
Full interview ?️? https://t.co/r6dyCBFwm2#Arsenal pic.twitter.com/JHH0vFHtJC