Arsene Wenger is expected to sign a new three-year contract extension and the Arsenal manager is also expected to be offered a seat on the club’s board when he eventually steps down.

“It should be done the end of this week or the beginning of next,” said Wenger of the deal which will keep him at Arsenal until 2008.

Gunners’ chairman Peter Hill-Wood said: “When he stops being manager, I’m sure we’ll want him to stay in another role.

“I think he has found his spiritual home and is in love with the club.”

Wenger arrived at Highbury in 1996 and under him, Arsenal have won two Premiership and FA Cup Doubles, and last season created history by going through the entire league campaign unbeaten.

Wenger has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs but Hill-Wood is confident he will stay at Arsenal.

“I honestly don’t think he would accept such an offer,” he said. “He is so happy with us.

“He is well-paid and is left alone to manage how he wants,” said Hill-Wood who has plans for the day that Wenger decides to retire from management.

“It would be a shame to lose his expertise and maybe it could be as a director.

“I’m certain he wouldn’t interfere in any way with his eventual successor.”