The ongoing uncertainty over the future of Arsenal manager Arsene Wengeris having a direct impact on the club's plans to tie key players down to new-long term contracts, and in their negotiations to sign new players for next season, according to theTimes.
Wenger's current deal is set to expire at the end of the campaign. And despite huge pressure from sections of the club's supporters for the Frenchman to call time on his Arsenal career,it's believed that the club have put a two-year extension on the table for Wenger.
When Klopp out and Wenger out protesters meet at Anfield during the weekend pic.twitter.com/SDg8qhU032
He has yet to make any indication over whether he will or won't sign, though he has recently suggested that he will make a concrete decision on his future in "March or April". A host of other bosses, including the likes ofMassimiliano Allegri, Thomas Tuchel and Leonardo Jardim, have been touted as Wenger's successor should he finally step down.
However, Wenger's failure to make a decision has impacted on the Gunners' plans for next season. Both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil - who are regarded as the club's key players - have just over one year left on their current contracts, and talks about extending their deals have yet to recommence as uncertainty reigns over their manager.
Talks will not even resume until Wenger's future has been resolved, according to the report, and it puts the Gunners in a difficult position as interest is huge in both players from other clubs around Europe.
Arsenal's priority over the course of the summer transfer window is to ensure they bring in a new world-class striker - despite Sanchez's successes in the role over the course of the season so far - but any in-roads they attempt to make into negotiations have been halted because of the uncertainty.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere will also have only 12 months left on their contracts in the summer, and neither of the trio have even spoken to the club about extensions yet.
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