Arsene Wenger Brings Future Into Doubt For The First Time

The roughly 36 hours since Arsenal's embarrassing 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League have mainly been filled with questions about Arsene Wenger's future and now the Arsenal boss has given the first indication of what it might hold.

It's well known that the Arsenal manager's contract is once again up at the end of the season and that the club have already offered him a two year contract. That contract remains unsigned as yet with the boss thought to be waiting till later in the season.

_{Watch Roy Keane questions Arsene Wenger following Bayern drubbing:}

That decision to wait had not been swayed by recent results and was always his plan. However recent losses to Watford, Chelsea and now the dismal performance against Bayern have brought anger and brought more questions about whether Wenger should stay.

The Frenchman was having his pre match press conference today ahead of the Gunners Monday night FA Cup match with non league Sutton United and was asked about the Bayern game and his future and he gave the most open answer to questioning about what his plans are so far:

It is the first time that the 67 year old has ever hinted that he could manage elsewhere other than Arsenal and most had previously figured that leaving the hot seat at the Emirates would lead to retirement or a job 'upstairs' at Arsenal.

Admitting that he will be managing next season but not necessarily in North London is the first steps to openly questioning his own future at the club.

This along with the fact that for the first time there is genuine rumours of possible replacements, rather than just lists of managers people think would be good replacements, seem to be pointing towards the idea that the former Monaco boss will leave in the summer.

The image of Wenger managing elsewhere is a strange one after his 21 years of service at Highbury and the Emirates and the way he revolutionised the club and won so many trophies.

In the last 12 years things have soured and since their last title win in 2004, when Arsenal went the whole league season unbeaten, they have only won two FA Cups.

Will Wenger go?

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28