Arsene Wenger says he will sign a new deal with Arsenal and stay with the club 'forever'

Frenchman's contract runs out at the end of the season

Arsene Wenger confirmed this morning that he is due to sign a new contract at Arsenal and extend his stay towards 20 years at the club.

Wenger’s contract at Arsenal expires at the end of this season but he was confident and relaxed about his future, saying that he would sign a new deal at some point but that it was not an immediate priority.

While Wenger was not clear on a timeframe, he said that it would be a formality in due course. “I don’t know [when], when we find time. I don't think that's the most important problem at the moment. The good thing with me, if I have one quality, you don't need a lot of talks to extend the contract I have.”

“I said I want to focus on the quality of our season. I don't believe that anybody can question my commitment to this club. I want to feel that I do well and then the question of me staying will be secondary after that.”

Wenger’s enthusiasm for a new contract matches that of majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, who said in an interview last night that he wanted Wenger to stay beyond his current deal. “I am very honoured to have the support of Stan Kroenke. That he thinks I can help the club is a huge confidence vote. That is something for me that is very positive.”

While Wenger ruled out the possibility of eternal life, he did say he would like to stay at Arsenal for as long as he possibly could.

“Forever? Certainly. Honestly, I would love to be here forever because that would mean I would be immortal! I'm not naive enough to believe that. What I would like to do as long as I am here is give my best for this club because I love this club, of course.”

Wenger arrived at Arsenal 17 years ago, and said he was surprised by how quickly the time has gone. “It's a long time and a short time. I don't know where the 17 years have gone. Our job has a good advantage - you just look forward to the next game. You never look back. I believe as well that is the most important.”

FOLLOW ALL THE GOALS, NEWS AND RESULTS IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE WITH OUR BRAND NEW SATURDAY FOOTBALL LIVE UPDATES!