Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger knew his time was coming to an end with the club over a month ago, it has been revealed.

The Daily Mail says Wenger knew four weeks ago that his 22-year reign at Arsenal was over when it was made clear to him that he would be asked to leave at the end of the season.

The club and close friends have been urging him to accept the inevitable and allow for an appropriate farewell as well as afford Arsenal time to recruit his successor.

But the manager would have seen out his contract until 2020 if given the chance to do so and is expected to receive the final year's pay of his deal, which could amount to £10million.

Wenger has made it clear to friends that he expects to work elsewhere next season and prefers to stay involved day-to-day at his new club, rather than become a director of football.