Arsenal Wenger Talks About Rumours of New Arsenal Contract

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to confirm or deny speculation he has been offered a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, instead insisting his focus is solely on this weekend's meeting with Norwich.

Per ESPNFC's Kevin Palmer, Wenger was reluctant to answer the question, telling reporters "you have to prepare for the long-term always and act like you will stay forever" as the manager of a top club.

Having been asked about a new contract offer, Wenger replied:

"

I didn't deny that [there has been an offer]. I said many times I don't think there is any need to come back on. I answered that question already. I said what I said when I was asked this question at the start of the season. Nothing has changed.

When you are manager at the club you have to prepare for the long-term always and act like you will stay forever. What is important now is our next game [at home to Norwich City on Saturday].

"

Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League, having gone unbeaten in six games since defeat on the opening day of the season. In Europe also, the Gunners have begun well in their pursuit of a first Champions League success, including a fine victory over Rafa Benitez's Napoli.

Having gone trophy-less since 2005, there is a real feeling of optimism among the club's supporters that, even if success does not come this season, they are heading in the right direction once more.

The Arsenal board have stuck by Wenger through some tough times over recent seasons, with the club having started campaigns slowly and acted indecisively in the transfer market.

After a long wait this summer, though, the Frenchman smashed his transfer record on the final day of the summer window to secure the £42.4 million capture of Germany star Mesut Ozil.

Ever since Ozil's arrival, there has been a wave of excitement around the club that was aided by safe qualification to the group stage of the Champions League following a comfortable triumph over Fenerbahce.

It would have been no surprise to have seen the Frenchman leave in either of the past two seasons given the criticism he has faced from elements of the club's support. Now he is in charge of a winning team, he cannot be blamed for not wanting to indicate what his future plans may be.

There has been much speculation he has been targeted for a role with French club PSG in 2014, per Metro, and with the World Cup potentially opening up a role with the France national team, Wenger may well take his time over any decision.

After 17 years of service, the least Arsenal can do is allow the Frenchman time to make his own decisions over where his future may lie.