Arsene Wenger linked with contract extension

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to offer manager Arsene Wenger a two-year contract extension despite the club's stuttering campaign to date.

The Gunners saw their best chance of winning silverware this season dashed on Saturday when they suffered a shock defeat to Blackburn Rovers in a fifth-round FA Cup tie.

Wenger is under increasing pressure to deliver silverware in North London for the first time since 2005, with only the Champions League and a top-four finish left to fight for this season.

Despite eight seasons without adding to the trophy cabinet Arsenal want to keep their French coach and will offer him a new deal before the season ends, according to The Sun.

Wenger has been at the club since October 1996 but his current deal expires in 2014.