NOW IT’S 10 MORE YEARS OF ARSENE

ARSENE WENGER says he is working to a 10-year plan at the Emirates.

But before some Arsenal fans go into complete meltdown, Wenger says laying down long-term foundations, whether it’s for him or someone else, is the only way to run a football club.

The 67-year-old is preparing to sign a new £8million-a-year contract to keep him at the Emirates until 2019.

Wenger is helping to oversee the biggest revolution of his 21-year reign with a realisation at the club that major changes are needed to keep pace with Premier League rivals.

Gunners boss Wenger is already looking at big summer targets, with Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette (below) top of his wish-list. Arsenal want a new academy boss and, in the long term, a director of football. The master-plan is for Wenger to help rebuild the club in the next two years of his contract and get it ready for a successor to take charge when he eventually retires. But Wenger admits that he faces one of the toughest battles of his career to convince everyone it is the right move.

When asked if he was planning for the new campaign, Wenger said: “Yes of course. But do I stay two months or 10 years?

“Arsenal is respected all over the world and the Arsenal name is bigger than my name. That’s more important. You don’t come to Arsene Wenger, you come to Arsenal.”

Wenger was in a similar position in 2014 when his contract was running down. Arsenal were struggling to finish in the top four and fans were frustrated.

But back then Wenger was temperamental, snappy and a long way from the calm, relaxed figure he cuts at the moment.

The only explanation is that Wenger knows his immediate future – that he is staying and prepared to face the flak that will come his way.

Wenger added: “I don’t know if I am in a much better place. I have managed enough games to know that in football you have to go through tricky periods. A very difficult period is a good opportunity for you and the team to show what you’re about.”