Arsene Wenger expects to STAY at Arsenal after telling pals new deal will be announced after FA Cup final against Chelsea
Gunners boss under pressure from fans to quit expects to remain at Emirates and work with sporting director
ARSENE WENGER will announce his new two-year Arsenal deal after the FA Cup final on Saturday, according to reports.
The Gunners boss has reportedly told friends his 21-year reign will be extended even if they lose to Chelsea at Wembley.
The Sunday Times reports that Wenger is already "pressing ahead with restructuring plans for 2017/18" and working "round the clock" on targeting new players.
But in a major shake-up, the Frenchman is said to finally be willing to work with a sporting director.
The club's chief executive Ivan Gazidis wants to set-up the position to smooth the process when Wenger does finally decide to leave.
Wenger had the option of a two-year contract presented to him last autumn but delayed signing.
He wanted to see how this season unfolded - although it is unlikely he thought his side would miss out on the top four for the first time under his leadership.
Now, however, a new deal is more or less agreed with just a few minor details left to be worked out.
And it is thought that Arsenal's strong end to the season, in which they have won six of their last seven league games, has convinced chiefs he is the man to stay in the hot seat.
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Wenger's current deal is £8.3million a year.
Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov recently had a £1billion offer to buy the club from majority shareholder Stan Kroenke rejected.
And Gunners legend Tony Adams slammed the Frenchman, saying he couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag.