Wenger won't hurry into new contract

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has insisted he is in no hurry to agree an extension to his Highbury contract.

Wenger, who has 18 months left on his existing deal, is still hoping to be in place in 2006 when the club’s proposed new stadium is due to be opened at Ashburton Grove.

However, while Wenger urged Patrick Vieira to decide his future last summer - 12 months before the end of his contract – he will allow his own deal to run into its final year.

Although Alex Ferguson has just agreed a new one-year rolling deal with 18 months left on his existing deal at Old Trafford, Wenger will not immediately be following suit.

“No, not this season,” revealed the Frenchman, who has been regularly tipped as a contender for the Real Madrid job.

“There are one-and-a-half years to go. We’re not in a hurry and I don’t think there is any concern at the moment.

“My contract expires in 2005. The stadium should be open in 2006. I think that I will be there.

“But football is football and you never know. Can anyone guarantee that they will be in their job in two years’ time?”

While Ferguson has become embroiled in a dispute with major United shareholders JP McManus and John Magnier over stud fees for racehorse Rock of Gibraltar, Wenger’s focus is solely fixed on football.

“I love horses – but only workhorses!” he quipped.

“I’m a private person. What people love is football and the way my team plays, not necessarily what I think of the different problems I face.

“I was always only involved in football but I can respect other people have different interests.

“My job is to give people who work hard all week something to enjoy on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

“That’s all, simple – but difficult.”