Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger has dropped his strongest hint yet that he is close to agreeing a new contract to remain in charge at the Emirates Stadium.

The Frenchman, who has less than 12 months remaining on his existing deal, claims the rumours of a possible takeover of the north London club will have no bearing on his contract position.

Wenger insists that dealings at boardroom level will not alter his own decision on whether to pledge his future to the club.

"From what I can hear we will not change in the future, so for us that is not a problem," he said.

"I consider myself, as always, first an employee of the club. I have not one share and that's not a coincidence because I never want to be involved in any struggle, structure or strategy.

"I want to remain where I am and focus on the results of the team and the players and do as well as I can for this club.

"It has no implication on my contract at all. Some news will come out next week."