Arsenal sure Wenger will not take England job

Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS

Arsenal are confident that Arsene Wenger’s club future will be unaffected by the sudden vacancy at England and regard any suggestion of a job share over the next season as a complete non-starter, reports www.telegraph.co.uk

Wenger is expected to be sounded out for the job – and it is understood that he would not be opposed to the idea if the timing is right – but, with a year still left on his club contract, it would appear that the moment is not now.

The English Football Association, however, would potentially be willing to wait until next May should the right candidate currently be committed to a club and are also open to options from overseas.

Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate would then be regarded as an ideal interim solution but there is a strong feeling around Arsenal that any sort of pre-contract arrangement would not be tenable. There have even be suggestions of a job-share over the next season but, given the commitment needed for either position, that is seen as totally unrealistic.

Wenger is expected to reaffirm his commitment to Arsenal if the vacancy is raised during his Euro 2016 punditry work with beIN Sports over the coming days and he has always intended to wait until next season has started before deciding whether to extend his contract at Arsenal.

He will reach 20 years as Arsenal manager in October and his decision is likely to depend on results next season and the extent to which his team can sustain a Premier League title challenge.