The Frenchman had originally said the matter would be sorted out by Friday, but when asked about it he said there were "small, small details" to be sorted out next week.

He assured fans that despite speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid next summer, he was going nowhere.

The Arsenal boss insisted: "I've told everyone many times that my word is my signature, and it's been that way for the 20 years I've worked in football."

Referring to the fact that four Premiership clubs have already changed managers this season, he added: "If you look at the movements you have in England, I don't know why a signature means more at the moment. For me, my word is more important."

In theory, Wenger's contract extension will keep him at Highbury until 2002, but the Arsenal boss has never been quick to sign on the dotted line.

He waited 10 months to conclude a deal at his first club Nancy, a full season at Monaco and four months in Japan.

On field worry

"I think the supporters are more worried at the moment about our game rather than my contract - and they are right," added Wenger, referring to a bad run which has seen his team score once in nine hours of football.

Last season, the Gunners suffered a similarly poor November, before an incredible run to the end of the season.

Some fans say that is unlikely now as they have lost Ian Wright and have six players out injured - Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Nigel Winterburn, Stephen Hughes and Tony Adams.

But Wenger does not see it that way: "We needed a miracle last season - we don't need a miracle this season.

"We are four points behind Aston Villa and three behind Manchester United. They both have a game in hand but they play each other tomorrow."

At the same time Arsenal travel to Derby, with Wenger having to field a similar team to the weakened one he put it through choice in the League Cup a few weeks ago.