Wenger drops Real hint to fed-up fans

ARSENE WENGER has given the first indication that his commitment to Arsenal could be faltering by admitting that the prospect of taking charge at Real Madrid is “attractive”.

Wenger has been consistently linked with a move to Real, despite spending 13 years in London, and Florentio Perez, who is expected to be re-elected as the club’s president this summer, is believed to have placed the Frenchman at the top of his preferred list of replacements for current incumbent Juande Ramos.

Wenger has always maintained that his loyalty to Arsenal is unwavering, but after receiving a frosty reception at a shareholders’ meeting last week and criticising supporters for making him feel like “a murderer” for failing to contend for the Premier League title this season, his comments, which were made to a French television station for whom Wenger works as a pundit, could be interpreted as a warning to fans not to try his patience any further.

"With Florentino Perez in charge, it would be attractive to any coach,” Wenger is reported to have said. “I would prefer to stay silent about this. Normally, I end my contract.”

The 59-year old's current deal expires in 2011 and he has yet to open discussions with the club over an extension, although in the past he has never renewed a contract with more than a year remaining..

Ryan Giggs, meanwhile has issued a warning to Manchester United’s rivals, including Arsenal, by insisting that Alex Ferguson’s side are set to dominate the Premier League for years to come.

Having helped United secure the title for a third successive season, Giggs believes Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have an onerous task as they seek to overtake United as the major force in England.

Giggs, who at 35 is one of the veterans of the team, said Ferguson’s side will stay in pole position for the foreseeable future, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea, Darren Fletcher and Wes Brown all young enough to drive the club forward.

“I think it is all set for this team to go on and win much more,” said Giggs, after collecting his 11th title winner’s medal.

“It is a young team and as long as they keep their hunger and desire they will do that. I am sure the manager will make sure of it. It can go on, definitely. I have seen the team change a number of times in my time here. The young lads like Wayne and Cristiano (Ronaldo) help to keep players like myself going.”