Arsene Wenger 'relaxed' over contract negotiations and insists there is no need to question commitment to Arsenal

The Frenchman's current deal will expire at the end of the season

Jim van Wijk
Friday 29 November 2013 12:36 GMT
Comments
Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger maintains there should be no concern over a delay in wrapping up his new contract.

The Gunners boss, who turned 64 last month, has been offered terms on an extension to his lucrative £7.5million deal past the end of the season.

As yet, though, that remains unsigned, with Wenger insisting now was not the time to focus on anything other than keeping Arsenal top of the Barclays Premier League when they travel to Cardiff on Sunday.

When asked by Press Association Sport if the negotiations would be concluded by Christmas, Wenger said: "Why? Do you treat that as a present?

"I said many times, that people don't need to question my commitment to this club.

"I can just reiterate what I said at the start of the season - I want to feel that I do well, and focus on that."

Wenger added: "I am relaxed about the situation. What is important is that the players have the support, to focus on the target which is to do well in every single game."

The French coach is now the longest-serving manager in the English top flight and insists his desire for success burns as fierce as ever, with the quest continuing for a first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup.

"I have been here for 17 years, and I just want to make sure that I deliver to this club what the club is expecting," Wenger said

"I decided that at the start of the season because we had a very difficult start, and I want to continue that and do a good job and focus on that.

"My commitment is not a problem to this club."

Arsenal beat Marseille 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night to all but secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Victory at Cardiff on Saturday, when England left-back Kieran Gibbs is set to be available again following illness, could see the Gunners move seven points clear, with their leading rivals all not in action until Sunday.

Wenger said: "We have that opportunity we want to grab at the moment.

"We are in a position where we do not need to look too much at the other results, just at our results, that is a luxury and of course we want to take advantage of that."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in