Wenger extends Arsenal contract

Arsene Wenger today agreed a three-year extension to his contract at Arsenal as the club shifted the focus away from the fall-out from the battle of Old Trafford.

The 55-year-old, whose current contract expires at the end of this season, has signed a new deal worth £3million a year. He will stay until at least until 31 May, 2008 and will oversee the team as they move to their new stadium in August 2006.

Although it was widely expected the timing of the announcement was good for the club, still fighting off allegations directed at Wenger's players following Sunday's clash with Manchester United.

As he finally put pen to paper, Wenger vowed to bring more success to the club.

He said: "My intention has always been clear. I love this club and am very happy here - signing a new contract just rubber-stamps my desire to take this club forward and fulfil my ambitions.

"I still have so much to achieve and my target is to drive this club on, not only by sustaining our recent success but building upon it. These are exciting times for Arsenal and I'm proud to be the manager."

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who last week spoke of his desire to offer Wenger a seat on the board, said: "We are absolutely delighted Arsene has signed an extension to his contract. Since his arrival in 1996, he has revolutionised the club both on and off the pitch.

"As well as the six major honours he's won here, he has been a leading influence behind all the major initiatives at the club including the construction of our new training centre and also our new stadium.