English champions Arsenal believe Arsene Wenger will resist any approach by Real Madrid and sign an extension next month to his contract, which runs out in 2005.
Negotiations to tie down the Gunners manager have been given greater urgency following Jose Antonio Camacho’s decision to resign at Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are reportedly interested in Wenger but Arsenal chairperson Peter Hill-Wood is confident their French chief will stay in London.
”We’ve had a handful of meetings with his people about a new contract,” he told the Daily Star.
”As far as I’m aware everything is proceeding positively from his point of view and ours.
”He said he will decide in October and it’s September now and I’m very hopeful we’ll come to an agreement with him next month.”
Hill-Wood said conditions at Arsenal are a lot easier than at Madrid, who have gone through three coaches in under three seasons.
”He doesn’t have to put up with any interference and we don’t buy any players he doesn’t know about,” he said.
”He’s left alone and he gets a reasonable salary. If I was a betting man, I’d put my money on him staying with us and not going to Real Madrid.”
Wenger, who sealed his third title in six years last season, is negotiating a deal that is believed could keep him at Highbury until 2008.
The Frenchman has been heavily involved in planning Arsenal’s new, £400-million, 60 000-seater stadium, which will be ready for the 2006/07 season. — Sapa-AFP