Arsenal today moved to reassure players and fans alike that their expansion plans remain on course by insisting they should be in a new stadium at Ashburton Grove for the start of the 2006 season.
Uncertainty over the move after problems in raising funds for the Stg£400million project has led to some claims that Arsenal were taking a huge risk by pressing ahead with the move.
In response, the club have taken the step of including a statement of intent in the programme for tonight's match against Southampton at Highbury. The move should allay fans' fears and reassure players such as Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires, both in the middle of talks over new contracts, that Arsenal are not abandoning plans to move to a bigger ground.
The statement by Arsenal directors Ken Friar and Danny Fiszman, the two men in charge of the project, says: "We are totally and utterly committed to Ashburton Grove. That cannot be stressed strongly enough. Contrary to press comment, we are not considering any other stadium than Ashburton Grove.
"Our definite plan is to be back at work before the end of the year, which would give us the ability to deliver a stadium for the 2006/2007 season.
"If gambling is doing something without a 100 per cent, then yes, there is a gamble. Are we gambling with the club? The answer is no, because if we were not successful in the move to Ashburton Grove we would still have a substantial property portfolio.
"We are, however, very confident that the move will be a success. Ashburton Grove is going to be our new home."
The Gunners have already spent £50million on the scheme which has led to the situation last week where figures revealed the club have debts of £42.9million.
Despite the bullish statement, Arsenal have found the current economic climate tough in terms of persuading banks to give financial backing to the scheme. Even if the move does not come about, the one move not regarded as an option by the hierarchy at the club is staying at Highbury.
The club will also be buoyed by Arsene Wenger's comments saying he would be prepared to stay with Arsenal even after his current deal expires in 2005.