Alisher Usmanov has spoken out (Getty)

Arsenal’s board and majority shareholder must ‘bear huge responsibility’ for the club’s current on-field issues, according to Alisher Usmanov.

The club’s second largest shareholder has spoken out amid uncertainty over the future of manager Arsene Wenger and growing concerns around the Emirates that Arsenal will miss out on a place in the Champions League.

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In an interview with Bloomberg the Uzbek born Russian businessman said: ‘I do not think that the coach alone is to be blamed for what is happening,’ before adding that the board – and main shareholder Stan Kroenke – ‘bear huge responsibility’.

US owner Stan Kroenke (Getty)

Usmanov has no control over the running of the club, despite spending millions buying up 30.04% of the club. If he did though he would be working on a succession plan for when Wenger does finally depart.

‘Some continuity is needed,’ he said. ‘This includes the need to prepare a successor for Wenger, but in a very respectful way. I can suggest that Wenger himself can prepare a successor.’

Wenger’s contract expires in the summer (Getty)

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In the interview Usmanov confirmed his lack of influence over matters at Arsenal, instead highlighting Kroenke’s responsibilities.

‘I personally, unfortunately, am fully isolated from decision making in the club,’ he said. ‘All the responsibility for the fate of the club rests with the main shareholder.’

Who's more to blame for Arsenal's current problems? Arsene Wenger

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