‘I Want To Stay At Arsenal ‘Forever’ – Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to sign a new deal at the club and says he wants to stay at the club he loves.

Wenger has been at the Arsenal since 1996, but eight years without a trophy had heightened speculation he could finally step down when his current deal expires next summer. The Frenchman has previously kept coy on his contractual situation, admitting this season could determine his fate.

But Wenger says an impassioned show of support from majority shareholder Stan Kroenke of the eve of his 17th anniversary has come as a huge confidence boost.

“I’m very honoured to have the support of Stan Kroenke,” said Wenger. ”That he thinks I can help the club is a huge confidence vote. That is something that is very positive for me.

“I’ve had consistent support from inside the club. I’m very grateful because during my 17 years we have had ups and downs. They have always shown faith in me.

“I would love to be here forever because that would make me immortal! I love this club.

“I‘ve turned down many offers (over the years). I’ve always thought this club is special. We have a team now that can compete and that’s what we want to show.

“If I am still here today it is because I got that consistent support from inside the club.

“The good thing with me, if I have one quality, (it is that) you don’t need a lot of talks to extend the contract I have.

“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.”

The Gunners manager remained relaxed about the continuing negotiations.

He added: “(We will do it) when we find time. I don’t think that is the most important problem at the moment.”

American Kroenke had earlier told the Daily Telegraph of Wenger:“There’s no one I feel more strongly about and I think he is doing a great job.

“We have been very supportive, we have never wavered, we are proud of him, proud of the club, the way the club is run and how it holds itself out to the world.”