Wenger close to signing new deal

Arsene Wenger looks set to agree a new deal to stay in charge at Arsenal.

Wenger, who turns 61 in October, will be out of contract next summer but confirmed at a press conference ahead of the opening Barclays Premier League game of the season at Liverpool that a new deal was on the table.

"I have to show as well how much I believe in this team by showing my commitment," he said. "My situation will be sorted out very soon. It is more a question about timing, and all the other ingredients which are in a contract will be easy to short out."

The French coach has revolutionised the north London club since his arrival as a relative unknown in late September 1996, going on to win the domestic double in his first full season.

However, since the club moved to their new Emirates Stadium home, Wenger's young side have been unable to supply any more silverware, the last trophy being the 2005 FA Cup.

Yet the Gunners boss continues to have faith in both his own ability and that the current crop of talent will finally come of age.

"I believe my commitment to the club has nothing do with the speculation of how the season would go, because that would be unfair," he added.

"If I do not do well, and one day the club is not happy with me I can completely understand that I do not stay here any more.

"But I believe we will do well.

"We know people want more from us and we are ready to give more, but success is to win the league."