Arsene Wenger refuses to rule out England job

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 28 September 2016

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that he is flattered by reports linking him to the England job and refuses to rule out accepting it.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is flattered by speculation linking him to the England job.

The Frenchman has been a long-term target of The FA, with reports today suggesting that the organisation is planning a fresh approach for him to take the reins of the national side next summer following Sam Allardyce's dismissal this week.

Speaking after the Gunners' comfortable win over Basel in the Champions League tonight, Wenger admitted that the events of the last 48 hours had been "a huge surprise".

"Honestly, because I was focused on this game tonight, I didn't follow it too much, but it's a huge surprise what happened," he told reporters in his post-match presser. "Who could have predicted that 48 hours ago? Nobody. But the English game is always full of surprises."

Asked if he was flattered by the stories suggesting that he could take over, he replied: "Of course, but my priority has always been this club but until the end of this season I am here. I am completely focused on that."

Wenger's contract with the Gunners expires at the end of the season and the manager went on to admit that he could not guarantee that he will remain at the Emirates beyond that.

"That's not decided," he said. "I said many times my priority was always for Arsenal football club and I have to assess how well I will do until the end of the season."

Wenger, who has been in charge at Arsenal for 20 years, would likely have to take a paycut should he accept the Three Lions job, with his current annual salary of £8m significantly more than the £3m earned by Allardyce.