Arsene Wenger 'sacked after losing Stan Kroenke support'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been forced out of the club by Stan Kroenke after losing the support of the majority shareholder, according to a report.

The Gunners announced on their official website on Friday morning that the Frenchman will leave his position next month, a year before his latest contract is due to expire.

Wenger's statement suggested that the decision to step aside was purely his own, but The Sun claims that the 68-year-old did not intend to leave this summer.

A lack of support from Kroenke is said to be the key reason behind Wenger's departure, with Arsenal agreeing to pay him £11m as severance for a clean break.

The timing of the announcement has been praised by many, giving supporters of not just Arsenal but rival clubs a chance to provide the country's longest-serving boss a fitting send-off, but the same report suggests that Wenger is frustrated at both the speed and timing of the departure.