Wenger deal expected

Arsene Wenger is set to make an announcement on his future on Friday, with the Arsenal manager understood to have finally agreed a new deal with the club.

Wenger, 57, is out of contract at the end of the season, and there had been added uncertainty following the controversial departure of former vice-chairman David Dein in April and the summer sale of Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

However, the French coach - who brought an unprecedented spell of success to the Gunners since his arrival a decade ago - is understood to have reached an agreement with the board to remain in charge.

Wenger had been keen to stress the continued speculation around what may happen in terms of a boardroom takeover would not distract him from the job of returning Arsenal to challenge for the top honours again.

It remains to be seen just what will develop with regards to the supposed interest of American billionaire Stan Kroenke and whether Dein, a close personal friend of Wenger, returns to the club down the line having recently linked up with Alisher Usmanov at the head of 'Red and White Holdings'.

Wenger said last month: "It is true that is a gamble I take - but when I take a gamble at some stage, it is with people who are in charge.

"They tell me certain things, and I believe or believe not, then I say 'listen, I want to sign only one year'.

"It is down to me if I want a longer contract or not and there is a takeover, because I know from the moment I sign that it can happen."