Wenger is staying insists Gazidis

(GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is "clearly staying" with the Premier League club, chief executive Ivan Gazidis said today.

Gazidis told The Associated Press that Wenger - recently linked with Spain's Real Madrid - has the club's "unequivocal support" and is expected to see his contract through for the two remaining seasons.

"He is clearly staying," Gazidis told the AP in Dubai. "We've said that, he said that. He has the full support, unequivocal support of our board."

Gazidis added he would like to see the Frenchman stay after his contract expires in 2011.

"We believe in the strategy we've embarked upon," Gazidis said.

He spoke as Arsenal defender Gael Clichy unveiled a new soccer school in the Gulf emirate in partnership with club sponsor Emirates airline.

It has been reported that Wenger, who has been at Arsenal for 12 years, is considering leaving for Real Madrid after some fans criticised him at a meeting last week and because of a limited transfer budget.

Wenger sparked the speculation over the weekend by saying coaching Real Madrid would be "obviously interesting."

Florentino Perez announced his candidacy last week to become Madrid president for a second time in the club's elections in the offseason. He reportedly tried to sign Wenger during his first stint and has been linked again with the Arsenal manager.

Some Arsenal fans have become increasingly frustrated after a fourth consecutive season without a trophy and Wenger's reliance on young players.

Arsenal will finish in fourth place this season in the Premier League, meaning the Gunners will have to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League.