Odo of France, recognizing the superiority of Arnulf’s position, had formally admitted the suzerainty of Arnulf in 888.

Arnulf had taken advantage of the problems in West Francia upon the death of Charles The Fat to secure the territory of Lorraine, which he had converted into a kingdom for his son, Zwentibold.

In addition, in 889, Arnulf supports the claim of Louis the Blind to the kingdom of Provence, after receiving a personal appeal from Louis’ mother, Ermengard, who comes to see Arnulf at Forchheim in May 889.