Arsene Wenger has claimed that he would be scoring “an own goal” by announcing his future now and that a final decision could yet wait until the end of the season.
A small upturn in results has promoted the theory that Wenger and Arsenal could imminently reach final agreement on a two-year deal and end all the recent uncertainty but the Frenchman is adamant that his focus is the forthcoming matches.
He also confirmed that he has been planning in the long-term for Arsenal, including their summer schedule.
Wenger, though, was asked on Friday whether he would encourage a striker to score if he was faced with a chance and, having answered in the affirmative, was asked why he had not then signed the contract that has been discussed.
“What you ask me is to score own goals,” he said. Wenger was then asked if there would be an announcement before the end of the season but replied that it was not possible to know.
Wenger’s Arsenal future is increasingly likely to hinge on finding a compromise with the club over the desire of senior directors to support significant off-field change this summer.
Regardless of the fan unrest, there has long been a desire on both sides for Wenger and Arsenal to continue their partnership but the ongoing inability to mount a lasting Premier League title challenge has deepened a belief that the structures around the manager require further modernisation.
Wenger also refused to answer a question about whether he had been offered a new contract but was noticeably upbeat on the prospects of Alexis Sanchez staying, despite no agreement having been reached as he approaches the final year of his deal.
“I believe that he basically wants to stay and it is down to finding an agreement with the agent,” he said.
Arsenalplay Crystal Palace on Monday night but will again be without Petr Cech and David Ospina in goal but Francis Coquelin is back in the squad. Laurent Koscielny will also miss out with his Achilles injury, although Wenger confirmed that the scan has not shown any ligament damage.
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