Ostersund defender and lifelong Arsenal fan Ronald Mukiibi is planning to use the Swedish side’s Europa League tie against the Gunners to speak to Arsene Wenger about a transfer.
Monday’s draw saw Ostersund – who, incredibly, were formed a month after Wenger took over in north London – paired with the Gunners, having already eliminated Galatasaray and Hertha Berlin to get to the knockout stages.
And Mukiibi, who moved to Ostersund permanently last summer, is ready to tell Wenger a few home truths about his recent team selections – and maybe even try and earn a move himself.
Speaking to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, the 26-year-old said: ‘I want to exchange a few words with Wenger and ask him why he sets his team up as he does. That would be fun.
‘I want to talk with him about why he makes certain decisions. Maybe we can talk about my own future during the conversation? If I have a good match then…’
Asked if he felt it was time for Wenger’s 20-year reign to come to an end, he continued: ‘No, he can stay. But I still need to talk to him about those starting line-ups.’
Speaking about facing Arsenal, he added: ‘I started laughing to myself. I sent messages to the guys while just yelling out. It’s sick.
‘We will play the team I’ve followed for my whole life. Who could have predicted it? It’s a dream. It’s about hitting your targets as a football player.
‘I had hoped to play for Arsenal at the Emirates, but now I can play against them in the same stadium. Life works in mysterious ways.’
The first leg of Ostersund’s Europa League tie with Arsenal takes place in Sweden on February 15, with the return leg at the Emirates a week later.
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