Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal future to be announced on Wednesday

Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal future will be announced by the club on Wednesday, Sky sources understand.

The club are also expected to announce whether they are looking into appointing a Director of Football to work alongside or above Wenger, or indeed whether that role could be filled by the Frenchman.

An Arsenal board meeting is taking place on Tuesday, with the future of the club set to be discussed and the fate of Wenger likely to become clearer.
The 67-year-old has been at Arsenal since 1996 and has led them to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup trophies, the latest of which coming when they beat Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.
However, Wenger’s current contract expires shortly and some fans have voiced their desire for his exit, citing a disappointing Premier League season which ended with failure to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 19 years.

Wenger has implied that he would like to stay at the Emirates and said after the defeat of Chelsea: „You can’t have 35 years at the top level if you’re not the right man to do the job.

„I just want to do well for the club. It’s down to the board members. Am I the right man to take this club further? It’s not about popularity, it’s about competence.“

Wenger subsequently added that the impressive display against Antonio Conte’s side at Wembley proved his appetite for the job remains.

„The best presentation (to show the board) is to watch the game,“ he added.

„I’ve played until the end of my contract, which is today basically. I think I have shown you that I have exactly the same commitment.“

Wenger is believed to retain the backing of owner Stan Kroenke, which could prove to be a crucial factor, although the manager has also expressed disappointment at his treatment by sections of the club’s support this season.