Wenger calm about contract talks

The French coach - who turns 64 next month and is now the longest-serving manager in the top flight - will come to the end of his current deal in the summer of 2014, but has indicated he would be open to extending his stay.

Wenger continues to hold the full support of owner Stan Kroenke and the board, with chief executive Ivan Gazidis stressing earlier this summer negotiations would continue quietly behind the scenes.

The Gunners boss proved key in the record-breaking £42million deal to bring Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day, and has always maintained the continued drive for success on the pitch comes ahead of any speculation over his own future.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League game at Sunderland, Wenger again reiterated any negotiations would not be rushed.

"We are in no hurry. We are in September and my contract finishes in June. There is a long way to go," he said.

"There is no need to plan (any talks). I have said many times I want to do well with this club and in the end I will sit down and think 'how well have I done with the team I have had?' That has to be sufficient for me to decide yes or no.

"One of the main judgments you can have about a manager is how well he does with his team."

Wenger certainly pulled off a transfer coup with bringing in the marquee signing of Ozil.

Before the 1-0 win over big-spending Tottenham ahead of the international break, Wenger had seen moves for Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Yohan Cabaye all fail to materialise, and only secured the free transfers of Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini, while a loan move for Palermo goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano was also completed on deadline day.

Source: PA

Source: PA