adminArsene Wenger has suggested he has come to a decision over his long-term future, but he is not ready to reveal whether he will sign another contract to continue as Arsenal manager.Reports earlier this week claimed Wenger, who has been in charge of the club since 1996, had agreed to extend his 17-year reign as Arsenal boss beyond the end of his current contract, which is due to expire at the end of this season.
When asked whether his uncertain future will be an issue should he look to add players during the transfer window, Wenger’s answer was clear yesterday.
“No,” he replied at his prematch news conference ahead of today’s meeting with Fulham. “I will talk to them [possible signings], don’t worry.
“There is always a point where you have to decide [on a new contract], of course. There is a point where you have to decide and there is a point where you have to make your decision public. You can take of that sentence what you want.”
There is also positive news over the contract talks involving Arsenal defenders Per Mertesacker and Bacary Sagna, with Wenger suggesting new deals for both may be within touching distance.
“We are making good progress and hopefully we can announce something soon,” Wenger said.
Wenger says the January transfer window should be scrapped and believes few big deals will go through before it closes at the end of the month, the Arsenal boss said yesterday.
“I would sign (up) for the January transfer window to be scrapped completely,” Wenger told a news conference ahead of the Premier League leaders’ home clash with struggling Fulham.
“The January transfer market will not be busy, it is a low-key market this year. The financial resources this season explains why the league is so tight.”
Arsenal splashed out a club record £42 million for Mesut Ozil and injuries to Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott have led to speculation that Wenger may try to bolster his squad this month with new signings.
Wenger, however, has never been a fan of signing players in January and earlier this week labelled transfer talk “distracting”.
“We have a very even squad, quality wise,” Wenger said ysterday. “We are on a good run and that helps confidence. At the moment we are not close to signing anybody.”
Despite Fulham’s lowly league position, just a point above the relegation zone, Wenger believes the London club will avoid the drop under new manager Rene Meulensteen.
“Fulham have struggled at home but I believe they have enough quality to stay in the league,” he said.
As well as Walcott and Ramsey, Arsenal will also be without Mikel Arteta and Nicklas Bendtner against Fulham, while Tomas Rosicky and Nacho Monreal face late fitness tests.
Fixtures
Today: Sunderland v Southampton, Stadium of Light 14:45, West Ham United v Newcastle United, Boleyn Ground 17:00, Norwich City v Hull City, Carrow Road 17:00, Arsenal v Fulham, Emirates Stadium 17:00, Manchester City v Cardiff City, Etihad Stadium 17:00, Crystal Palace v Stoke City, Selhurst Park 17:00, Liverpool v Aston Villa, Anfield 19:30
Tomorrow: Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur, Liberty Stadium 15:30, Chelsea v Manchester United, Stamford Bridge 18:00
Monday: West Bromwich Albion v Everton, The Hawthorns 22:00- Sport24.
Online Reporter