Wenger looks to future as new contract close

Arsene Wenger chose the eve of his 1,000th match in charge to unequivocally pledge his future to Arsenal.

The French coach, now in his 18th season at the club, has had a three-year £25m (€30m) contract offer on his desk since last year, but, at 64, has been reluctant to sign until assessing whether or not he still has the ability and backing to take the club forward.

But with a four-way title race in the offing, an FA Cup semi-final against Wigan in wait and a transfer budget again sufficient to compete with the best now the club’s stadium is profitable, Wenger appears to be ready to end any speculation. He has indicated his plans to stay by signing a swathe of players on new long-term deals in the past few weeks and yesterday explained how his summer transfer plans would fill the gaps he perceives to be in their current squad.