Arsenal directors fear 'doing a Manchester United' and going into meltdown if Arsene Wenger chooses to walk away.
The Telegraph says although there are contingency plans in the event of Wenger's departure, Arsenal are hoping he signs a new contract. Other than the fact that they retain faith in his managerial ability and philosophies, the board are acutely aware of United's plight since Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement last summer.
Ferguson had been United manager for 26 years and Wenger is now comfortably the longest-serving manager in the country, having been appointed at Arsenal in 1996.
The Gunners recognise that Arsenal would be left in a similar situation if Wenger left, having allowed the Frenchman to run the club from top to bottom - just as Ferguson did at United.
