Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is just days away from signing a new three-year-contract and could become a director at the club when he eventually retires, according to club chairman Peter Hill Wood.
Wenger, who arrived at Arsenal in 1996, is close to a deal that will see him lead the club into their new Emirates Stadium in August 2006 and for a further two seasons thereafter.
The Arsenal boss revealed ahead of tonight's Champions League group stage encounter away to Panathinaikos: "We are not far away."
"It should be the end of this week or the beginning of next week at the latest. It's just that I have been quite busy lately" Wenger added.
Hill Wood welcomed Wenger's comments and said: "If Arsene stopped being manager, then I am sure we would want him to stay in some other role."
"Maybe that could be as a director. It would a great shame to lose that expertise. I am certain he would not interfere in any way (with any successor)."
He always dismissed speculation that Wenger could be tempted by a big money move to the continent. "I honestly don't think he would accept such an offer. He is so happy with us. He is well paid and he is left alone to manage how he wants," he insisted.
