Arsene Wenger planning for next season despite uncertainty over Arsenal future

By Lyall Thomas

Image: Arsene Wenger's future at Arsenal remains uncertain

Arsene Wenger insists he is planning for next season, despite continued uncertainty over his future at Arsenal.

The 67-year-old said after the Gunners' most recent defeat at West Brom that he has made his decision on whether to stay or leave the Emirates, but has refused to reveal his plans in public.

Wenger said his future is "not completely sorted", with a new two-year contract understood to be ready to sign, but he insists his preparations for next year have not been hampered ahead of a crucial clash with Manchester City, live on Sky Sports' Super Sunday.

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"Yes, of course [I am planning for next season]," he said. "Do I stay two months or 10 years? I plan. I do my job exactly the same. Of course you can do that.

"Of course [transfer targets will ask if I will be at the club], but we are always honest. Arsenal is a world brand today, respected all over the world.

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"The Arsenal name is bigger than my name and coming to Arsenal is more important - you don't come to Arsene Wenger, you come to Arsenal.

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"But we are, at the moment, not in a transfer mode. We analyse what we have to strengthen but we are not in contract negotiations at the moment with players."

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Wenger has previously indicated he will consider fan opinion when deciding his future but, should he decide to stay, a poll conducted this week by the Arsenal Supporters' Trust (AST) will have been overlooked.

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A thousand members of AST were asked the question: "Do you support Arsene Wenger signing a new contract and remaining as Arsenal manager?"

Only 15 percent said "yes" and 78 percent of respondents said "no", and 86 percent responded "no" when asked "do you think the way that the Arsenal board have dealt with Arsene Wenger's contract is in the best interests of Arsenal Football Club?"

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