Arsene Wenger set to renew Arsenal contract

Arsene Wenger (L) and Ivan Gazidis

Arsene Wenger has dismissed all the speculation linking him with a move to the French giants Paris Saint-Germain by saying that he is ‘committed’ to staying at Arsenal.

The Gunners boss, who was being reportedly targeted by the Ligue 1 champions, has begun talks with Arsenal as the 63-year-old’s contract is set to expire next summer.

At a news conference in Indonesia, Arsene Wenger said: “The link is because I’m French and I know the owners. But if that was the case, then I would be there already. My heart is with Arsenal. I am committed to staying longer at this club. We had already a chat with Ivan [Gazidis, the chief executive]. It went very well … not a problem.”

Arsenal are currently in Indonesia for the pre-season tour and Wenger insisted that he won’t be deciding his future alone but the club will decide on the basis on his performance.

“Would my decision depend on how well next season goes? I am like everybody else … of course, it is important to see how well we do. What I will always do in the future is not to use my longevity as an advantage to stay in this position if I don’t do well.”

On being asked to comment on the players which have been linked to Arsenal, Wenger said: “They are all realistic targets quality-wise, [although] not all of them are available to join us. All of those players are under contract and it is the club that decides if they can go and, after, if they can join us.

“The fans, the players, everybody is reassured by big names always. But what is important is that we don’t need numbers, we need quality.