WENGER CLOSE TO SIGNING NEW CONTRACT
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 today's press conference ahead of the opening Premier League game of the season at Liverpool on Sunday that a new deal was on the table.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 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.
"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 said.
"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."Wenger has set his sights firmly on delivering a first championship since his 'Invincibles' side swept all before them in 2004.
"What will be success is to improve from last year, which is to win the league - that is the only benchmark," the Gunners boss declared.
"You cannot finish third and then say for the season after, you want to finish behind that.
"We are a young side and the improvement is natural - the ambition is there, we are hungry for success.
"We know people want more from us and we are ready to give more, but success is to win the league."
Wenger may be preparing for his 14th campaign at the helm, but the former Monaco boss maintains the desire for success burns as strong as ever.
"I love to win and I love football - I can combine the two and that is what keeps me hungry," he said.
"It has nothing to do with the number of years you are in the job, it is just your nature - if I play any game with you, I will want to win it. If I lose I am sad."
Arsenal have enjoyed a decent pre-season build-up, despite all the summer transfer speculation surrounding captain Cesc Fabregas.
The Spain midfielder could feature at Anfield having played in Mexico during the week, while fellow World Cup finalist Robin van Persie may also be in the travelling party.
Wenger felt Fabregas' approach since committing his future to Arsenal was "spot-on".
"Cesc has been very good, despite all of that story, his love for the club was never under threat," said Wenger.
"You could understand he was torn between Barcelona and staying here, but he really deeply loves the club. His attitude has been completely spot-on."
Wenger added: "I tried very hard to show him how much I want him to stay and of course you never completely know the outcome, but my resolution and determination was always very strong to keep him - and it was never a question of money."
Arsenal had a bid rejected for Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer earlier in the summer, and the Australian appears set on a move across London.
However, Wenger stressed: "What is important is for us to focus on players who are in the squad and not give too much room to any speculation.
"I believe that we have goalkeepers who have quality and class - they have a good opportunity to show that on Sunday."
The Gunners boss added: "We do not need to buy to play well on Sunday.
"When everyone is fit and available, we have quite a strong squad.
"Also, we have this stupid rule in place with the 25 players, so everybody has to look not to have too many players."
Heading to Anfield is hardly the ideal place to begin a title quest.
However, Wenger maintained: "It is a good opportunity to have a good start against a good team.
"We are ready and are excited by the new challenge.
"We finished third last year and the target is to do better.
"I believe we have room for improvement and that is what we want to show."
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