Share

Wenger: New contract claims are false

Cape Town - Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has described reports that he is set to be offered a contract extension at the Emirates Stadium as "absolutely false".

The Frenchman has just over 12 months left on his current deal and is on the verge of completing his 20th season at the helm of the north London club.

Wenger has come under fire from Gunners fans this term after his side's title challenge dissipated in the new year, having been top of the table at the end of 2015, but are now in danger of finishing behind fierce local rivals Tottenham for the first time since his appointment.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's home clash with Aston Villa, the 66-year-old dismissed claims that the club's majority shareholder, Stan Kroenke, is looking to offer him a two-year extension.

"That is completely wrong, and I don't know where this information comes from," Wenger said on Friday. "You can treat that as just an invention. It is absolutely false."

Wenger is not looking that far ahead, insisting his future in the capital depends on how the team performs next term. 

"What I focus on is to respect my contract, and after to envisage what I will do after," he added.

"I can understand that people are interested in that, but that is not the most important thing. After [next season] I will see where I am personally and where the club stands at the end of my contract."

One thing is certain, however. Wenger has not given up hope of pipping Spurs to second place, with the two neighbours separated by just two points going into the last day.

"We want to finish as high as possible, and if possible in front of Spurs of course," he said. "We'll fight until the end. If we are not second we'll finish third, hopefully. But ideally we want to get in front of Spurs, of course."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE