Arsene Wenger refuses to end talk over taking over as England manager

Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out taking over the England job when his contract with Arsenal expires in 2017. The Gunners manager has been in England for over two decades and is billed the perfect man to lead the English side after the departure of Roy Hodgson.

Wenger is unlikely to extend his contract if the Gunners fail to win the title yet again this season, which would be an uphill task given the current crop of managers in the Premier League, which includes Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte having made the move to England. The Gunners had to endure a nine-year barren run where they failed to win a single trophy, but ended it when they clinched the FA Cup in succession in 2013/14 and 2014/15, making Wenger the most successful manager in the history of the tournament.

However, all eyes are now on the Premier League, with the north London club without the title for over 12 years, having last won it in 2003/04. Wenger has won the title thrice, but there is growing belief in the ranks that it is his last shot at glory and should he fail to make it count, he will move on to something else, with the England job on the horizon.

"I have a contract until 2017 with Arsenal and I have always respected my contacts, but I do not yet know what I will do afterwards," Wenger said, as quoted by the Telegraph, when asked about taking over the job at England.

Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour is still sceptical about the feasibility of Wenger taking over the role as he is of the view that the lure of club football is still markedly high for the Frenchman.

"If they can get him, if they can persuade him to take the job, he would be a top manager to have. He knows his football, he knows the Premier League, he knows the English players. I would be a great coup for the FA if they can get someone like Wenger but I just think the pull of club football is too strong for him," Parlour said.