Arsene Wenger’s future at Arsenal will be decided by a “mutual decision”, according to the club’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis.
The Gunners manager has been at the helm of the club for 20 years, but his current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2017 at the end of the domestic season.
Both the club’s hierarchy and Wenger himself are keen to extend his deal – like they did back in 2014 – but Gazidis has suggested the decision, when it is taken, will be influenced by both parties.
“Arsenal is not Arsène Wenger; they’re not one in the same thing,” Gazidis said on Thursday, as reported by The Telegraph.
“He’s been clear and we’ve always been clear, that it is a mutual decision as to how long he’ll continue. Both need to be on the same page on that. In a football sense he has transformed the club.”
Wenger’s future at the club will likely depend upon the results this season, with the fans’ prevailing mood also a factor in the club’s important decision.
The 66-year-old is the longest-serving manager in the Football League and his association with the club, and success means it will be historic decision either way.
Wenger has been linked with the England job following Sam Allardyce’s removal as manager after just one game and Gareth Southgate’s installation as interim boss.
The Arsenal manager has always said he will fulfil the remainder of his contract before considering his next move, meaning if the Three Lions job became available at the end of the season it could be a distinct possibility.
The Gunners are unbeaten in all competitions since their opening-day 4-3 defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates.
Wenger will be hoping to challenge for a first Premier League title since 2004 while also competing in the Champions League.
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