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Chapter 188: A Frank Conversation
🕑 Added 2025-10-13 14:20:58 +0000 UTCUsmanov was an easy talker. Throughout the conversation, he often cracked jokes, slipping in a few witty comments just to keep the atmosphere light.
His attitude toward Kai, in particular, was warm and almost fatherly — too good, in fact.
But Wenger was starting to lose patience.
"Alisher," Wenger began, tone polite but firm, "you need to understand that we're in the middle of a title race. The schedule is tight, so let's get straight to the point."
Usmanov’s eyes flicked toward Kai, who gave a small nod of agreement.
Still, the Russian didn’t take offense. He simply smiled and leaned back in his chair. "Of course, Arsène. I just wanted to talk to both of you today. After all, we’ll be working closely together in the future."
He raised three fingers. "For a club to succeed, three people are crucial."
He pointed at himself. "The owner."
Then at Wenger. "The coach."
And finally at Kai. "The captain."
"I believe this trio forms the club’s backbone. Only when we move in the same direction can Arsenal truly find its way."
Usmanov took a slow sip of his tea before continuing, his tone now serious. "I didn’t come to Arsenal to be a figurehead. Abramovich turned Chelsea from a mid-table side into one of Europe’s elite. I intend to do the same — only better."
"Arsenal is a great club, but I want her to be feared again, respected again — the kind of team whose very name makes opponents nervous."
"I want to build an Arsenal that dominates Europe."
The room fell silent for a moment. Kai and Wenger exchanged glances. They weren’t sure whether Usmanov’s words came from deep conviction or mere enthusiasm — but either way, it was good news.
Still, Wenger wasn’t about to let things drift into fantasy.
"But you can’t interfere with football operations," he said bluntly. "I don’t want any disputes between us over transfers or team management."
The air tightened briefly, but Usmanov simply chuckled and waved a hand.
"Of course not," he said. "I won’t meddle in first-team affairs or transfers — that’s your department. You’re the expert, Arsène. My job is to support, not to dictate. The only thing I ask in return is performance — consistent, top-level football."
He set the teacup down gently. "I understand your concern. Look at the Moratti family and Inter Milan — too much interference ruined them. I won’t make that mistake with Arsenal."
Then he turned serious again. "So tell me, Arsène — what do we need to make this happen?"
Wenger paused for a long moment, then said quietly, "From next season, Arsenal will fight for the Champions League. Within the next two to three years, I’ll bring it home."
Kai’s eyes widened in surprise. He’d never heard the professor speak so boldly before — not like this.
Usmanov’s face lit up. "Excellent! And how do we get there?"
Wenger laid out his plan carefully, highlighting a few areas where financial backing would be crucial.
Usmanov didn’t hesitate. Without a second thought, he approved the funds.
Compared to Kroenke, this Russian was far more decisive — and far more generous.
Wenger continued, "The foundation’s already there. We just need to strengthen key positions. I know we’ve built our philosophy around developing young talent, but if we want results now, we’ll have to bring in ready-made quality."
Usmanov nodded immediately. "Exactly. Developing players is noble, but we can’t afford to wait years for them to mature. Let’s add strength where it matters."
That simple exchange effectively signaled the end of Arsenal’s youth-first policy. Kai would likely be the last major product of that era.
Then Usmanov turned to him.
"Kai, your turn," he said with a smile. "You’re at the heart of all this. Players are the foundation — your success makes everything else worthwhile."
Kai drew a slow breath and met his gaze.
"To be honest, I can’t promise anything yet," he said. "I only became a starter last season, and this year I’ve just stepped up as vice-captain. It’s all happened fast. You can’t expect someone learning to walk to start running."
"I’m still learning what it means to be a good captain. The professor told me once that I have to see things from the players’ perspective — so here’s my first request to the club’s leadership."
Usmanov raised an eyebrow. "And what’s that?"
Even Wenger looked curious — this was the first time Kai had spoken as a true captain.
Kai took a deep breath. "A raise."
The room froze. Both men frowned slightly, unsure whether to take it as a joke.
But Kai continued, his tone steady. "Not for me. For the team."
"Arsenal’s wages sit mid-table in the Premier League — we’re not even close to Tottenham. I’m not asking for inflated salaries, but we need a structure that reflects our players’ worth. The gap right now is far too wide."
"Suárez earns £250,000 a week, while Sagna — our third captain — gets £100,000, yet PSG’s bench players earn more. It’s unsustainable."
He leaned forward slightly. "A big wage gap will destroy our unity. Things might seem fine now, but if we win something in the future, it’ll tear us apart from the inside. We have to fix this before it’s too late."
Both Wenger and Usmanov fell silent for a moment.
Yes.
They couldn’t expect every player to be driven purely by dreams.
Some—perhaps most—were motivated by money.
And that was fine. In modern football, passion alone couldn’t keep a club competitive. Fair pay could.
Arsenal had struggled for years under financial strain, paying off debts and limiting salaries as a result.
But now, with Usmanov’s investment, the club finally had breathing room.
It was time for a change.
“It’s necessary to implement a salary review,” Wenger said thoughtfully.
Usmanov nodded. “I understand. I’ll discuss it with the finance department tomorrow.”
Kai looked surprised. “You agree?”
He had expected the usual vague responses— “I’ll consider it,” or “We’ll see.” Not this.
Usmanov caught his expression and chuckled. “I said we needed to have a frank conversation. This is your first request as captain. If even this can’t be met, then our cooperation has no foundation.”
He leaned forward slightly, his tone turning serious. “I trust you, Kai. Which means I trust the team you’re leading. But remember—trust must come with results. We need silverware.”
Kai took a deep breath, then flashed a fierce grin. “We’ll fill the entire Hall of Fame with trophies.”
Usmanov laughed, raising his hand. “That’s the spirit! High five!”
Kai slapped his hand with a loud smack.
“I like you already,” Usmanov said, still laughing.
“Same here,” Kai replied, unable to hide his grin.
Wenger stood beside them, smiling quietly. Relief and pride filled his heart.
Kai’s words had struck at the heart of Arsenal’s future—not just emotionally, but strategically.
Neither Wenger nor Usmanov had expected such clarity from him. They were used to seeing things from a boardroom’s perspective, not a dressing room’s.
But Kai had just bridged that gap.
Wenger extended his hand and said warmly, “Lead us well, Captain.”
Kai slapped it too, then joked, “You’ll grow with us, right? Don’t leave me behind!”
That broke the tension completely.
Both Wenger and Usmanov burst into laughter, and for a brief moment, all three men stood united—not as manager, owner, and player, but as the core of Arsenal’s future.
