Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger admitted he wouldn’t match Sir Alex Ferguson’s record of 26 years at one club, despite rumours of a contract that could take him to 23 years at Arsenal.

On the possibility of matching Sir Alex’s record of 26 years at one club, he said: “No! No, I don’t think I’ll match him on that front. But he did extremely well and what he did in 26 years is absolutely exceptional because you look at what’s happening in the game, usually the average life expectancy of a manager these days in 18 months. So our total is quite unusual.

With speculation continuing to dominate headlines about his future at Arsenal, he was also asked if he sees himself doing 22 or 23 years with Arsenal, which would then suggest he is set to sign another contract extension.

You got me well there… I cannot answer that question at the moment.

It is believed that Arsene’s future will be clarified following this weekend’s FA Cup Final, though it’s increasingly unlikely that he’ll leave this season.

The long-serving Frenchman could lead his side out at Wembley in this weekend FA Cup final against Chelsea for the last time as Arsenal manager, while still facing continuous pressure surrounding his future with the club. Lack of progress has caused supporters to stress the need for change, with many suggesting a new boss could help take the Gunners to new heights.

Sir Alex described the pressure on Wenger as “ridiculous” and questioned whether the club would manage to find another manager like him, if he were to leave.

At the moment, of course, with the ridiculous situation of the pressure Arsene is under, I just wonder if they realise the job he’s done,” Ferguson said earlier this week.

The most amazing thing about him is this: he has come through a forest of criticism for months now, and has never bowed. He has seen it right through, he has shown a determination, a stubbornness. I think when you look at that, it’s a quality, and I’m not sure they’ll ever get another manager like that.

It’s quite easy to say ‘Get rid of him’, but who do you get? Who do you get in to keep that club the way they are for the next 20 years?

I really feel sorry for him because I think he’s shown outstanding qualities, and I think he has handled the whole situation. I don’t know many that have done that“, Ferguson continued.

When questioned about Sir Alex’s comments, Arsene said they were “welcome” from someone who “knows the difficulty of the job”.

He is maybe the greatest manager that has worked in England. We had a few big rivalries but time has ended all that and I think we have a big respect. I have a big respect for him and I think he as well, respects what I have done in the game.