Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 7y

Arsenal won't force early decision from Arsene Wenger on his future - source

Arsenal will not rush Arsene Wenger into making a decision about his future following Wednesday's 5-1 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, a club source has told ESPN FC.

Wenger has always insisted he will wait until the end of the season to decide whether to sign a new contract with the club, and that stance has not changed after the humiliating round-of-16 first-leg defeat in Germany.

Wenger, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is still expected to make the final call on his future together with the club board, and a decision could yet wait until the summer, the source said.

Wenger, who celebrated his 20th anniversary at Arsenal last year, has always had the full backing of the board and owner Stan Kroenke, but is facing increasing opposition from fans after the team's latest setback in Europe.

The loss to Bayern seemingly ensured the Gunners will exit the Champions League in the round of 16 for the seventh straight season, while their Premier League title drought will likely reach 13 years as they are 10 points behind leaders Chelsea.

However, Arsenal still have a chance to win the FA Cup and play non-league side Sutton United on Monday, while another top-four finish in the Premier League would ensure that the club's financial targets are met once again.

Wenger has steadfastly refused to discuss his thoughts about whether to stay on or not, only saying that his decision will be based on the team's performances this season.

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