Arsene Wenger is ready to sign a new two-year deal

Arsenal start planning for Arsene Wenger's exit as he prepares to sign just a two-year contract

Arsene Wenger is ready to sign a new two-year deal – but Arsenal are beginning to plan for life after him.

Mirror Sport understands manager Wenger has agreed the deal in principle and is preparing for next season by discussing transfer targets, improvements at the training ground and player contracts.

But intriguingly, the Frenchman's fresh pact with the Gunners he has managed since 1996 could be for only two years rather than the original idea of three, as Wenger knows the pressure is mounting on him from fans to win silverware.

Those two years would also give Arsenal time to line up potential replacements with Borussia Dortmund’s Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola of Bayern Munich, Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers, Everton boss Roberto Martinez and Wenger's current No2 Steve Bould likely to be on their list.

However, suggestions circulating after Saturday’s humiliating defeat at Chelsea that Wenger is set to move on at the end of the season look premature.

Read more: Mirror Sport