Wenger teases fans with new contract hint

Wenger teases fans with new contract hint

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects there will be a development in his contract negotiations on Thursday or Friday this week.

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The Frenchman's current deal expires at the end of this season and there had been speculation that close ally David Dein's departure from the board last season might make him think twice before agreeing new terms.

But Wenger, who has been with Arsenal since 1996, says he feels a 'responsibility' to the young side he is building at the Emirates Stadium and now looks almost certain to stay on.

'Am I still motivated to go on at Arsenal? Yes absolutely. I am very motivated,' Wenger told RMC radio.

'With all the young players I signed, I feel a kind of responsibility.

'I am in talks with Arsenal. I can't see any drawback to extend. There will be some news on Thursday or Friday.'

Wenger believes some of the up-and-coming stars have stepped up their game since the departure of talisman striker Thierry Henry to Barcelona this summer.

'We had a nice start to the season. We still have our technical game, and we have a young team that has got a little more experience,' Wenger said.

'We lost the star of our club, Thierry Henry, so it has changed something indeed.

'But you know maybe it has pushed the youngsters to take on more responsibilities.

'It is a little early to take stock after three matches at home. Our real challenges will be away from home against the big teams.'

Redknapp tips Gunners for championship tilt

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp backed Arsenal to challenge for the Premier League title after his side were beaten 3-1 at the Emirates.

And Redknapp understands Arsene Wenger's reluctance to spend big on transfers after watching the young Gunners, assembled for under £30million, cruise to a dazzling victory.

Emmanuel Adebayor rifled home the opener from the spot after David James had brought down Robin van Persie and the impressive Cesc Fabregas added the second from close range.

A quick free-kick from Fabregas then enabled Tomas Rosicky to score before a 62nd-minute strike from Kanu gave Pompey some reward for an afternoon of toil.

Only the 50th-minute dismissal of Philippe Senderos darkened Arsenal's day, with the Swiss defender shown a straight red for blocking Kanu.

Former Gunners vice chairman David Dein had declared the club needs a 'huge injection of cash' if they are to avoid getting left behind by their bigger spending-rivals.

But Redknapp believes the current squad is capable of dethroning champions Manchester United.

He said: 'I don't know if Arsene has to spend money. He's got talented young players here. They bring these kids in from everywhere.

'I don't think he needs to spend massive money. Van Persie and Adebayor are two fantastic players. They are a threat to anybody. Then there are also people like Fabregas. Their side is full of quality.

'When they move the ball and pass it, there is no-one better than Arsenal. They will be right there in the title race. They will be pushing all the way.

'The two wide players Rosicky and Alexander Hleb are fantastic and their quality on the ball is incredible.'

Wenger revealed Arsenal's third league victory of the season, which lifts them to second in the table, was a joy to watch.

'We are super ambitious and of course that creates a pressure but we can live with that,' he said. 'This team has been built to have an offensive personality. That means it is very important they express themselves.

'When you watch a game, you see that. We always try to go forward, even with 10 men and two minutes to go. I personally enjoy watching my team play like that. You don't cheat people.

'They feel the vibes coming out of the team when they sit in the stands. They sense when there is something positive coming out of the team.'