Why Arsene Wenger Is in Strong Arsenal Position to Dismiss Jurgen Klopp Links

After a successful seven-year spell, Jurgen Klopp has decided to call time on his reign as the boss of Borussia Dortmund.

Had he made that decision a year ago, Arsenal fans would have been clamouring for his immediate appointment at the Emirates Stadium. However, over the past 12 months, Arsene Wenger has grown steadily more secure in his position. A managerial change this summer now seems unthinkable. 

Speaking to Aaron Flanagan of the Mirror in his media briefing ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Reading, Wenger dismissed stories linking Klopp with the Gunners as a mere “circus.” That statement demonstrates his confidence that his position as Arsenal boss is entirely safe.

It’s a remarkable transition, especially when you think back to 12 months ago. Arsenal were facing another FA Cup semi-final, also against Championship opposition in the form of Wigan. Despite being huge favourites, Wenger’s team found themselves trailing with just minutes remaining on the clock.

With the Gunners also stumbling in the race for a top four finish, it’s no exaggeration to say Wenger’s job was on the line. His contract was due to expire at the end of the season, and had Arsenal been humbled by Wigan, the supporters would have gone in to open revolt.

The turnaround since then has been incredible. It started with Per Mertesacker’s equaliser and a penalty shoot-out win in the semi-final. Arsenal then rallied to reach the top four and win the FA Cup, claiming their first trophy for nine years. The jubilant scenes in north London were swiftly followed by the announcement of a new three-year deal for Wenger and a summer of spending.

This season got off to a disappointing start, with Arsenal winning just two of their opening eight matches. However, since then, Wenger has managed to demonstrate his amazing powers of recovery once more. Arsenal are currently the form side in the Premier League, Chelsea’s closest challengers, and on course to reach another FA Cup final.

It seems almost certain that Wenger will be allowed to see out his deal until 2017. For his part, there’s no suggestion he’d be willing to step aside earlier: Having kept the club afloat during the lean years spent paying off the Emirates Stadium debt, he’s determined to make the most of the resources now available to him.

Should the next two years bring a clutch of trophies, it’s not impossible that Wenger will decide to remain in charge even longer.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

It’s obvious why Klopp is earmarked as a potential replacement. He performed miracles at Dortmund, winning two titles despite intense competition from Bayern Munich, a side with vast financial resources.

Although Arsenal are economically stronger than ever before, they’re still competing with clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, whose wealth outstrips even that of the Gunners. Klopp’s experience of underdog triumphs could be just what the Gunners need to recapture the Premier League title.

Unfortunately, there is not currently a spot open for him at Arsenal. Timing is so important in these matters, and it seems the end of his stewardship at Dortmund has not coincided with an opportune moment for him to come to north London.

We may yet see Klopp in the dugout at the Emirates Stadium. His profile seems to fit the bill. However, it will surely not be before the summer of 2017.

This season, Arsene Wenger has done enough to warrant the chance to continue in his post.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.