Arsene Wenger has refused to comment on whether or not he will sign a contract extension at the Emirates, simply assuring reporters that he does not plan on shifting any time soon.

An offer to add to the Frenchman’s current contract, which runs out this year, is believed to have been tabled by the club’s hierarchy but Wenger remains open about his position at the helm.

Now in his 17th year in charge, the Professor remains adamant that his decision to sign a new contract will be solely based on the performance of the side at the time.

Arsenal travel to South Wales this Saturday looking to cement their lead at the top of the Premier League against newly promoted Cardiff City.

With other teams at the top of the table stuttering and dropping points in recent weeks, this can be the Gunners perfect chance to further their lead as we head into December and the heavier congested fixture list.

However, the Cardiff City Stadium is no easy place to go to as Manchester City, Everton and Manchester United have found out, with all three of these teams dropping points.

"Yes, he can be one of the best," the Arsenal boss told Arsenal Player during a recent interview.

"He is a very young man. I personally believe his composure is better, his reading of the game is better, his level of concentration is much stronger and that comes out with his numbers. He is still a very young goalkeeper because he's at an age where other goalkeepers start to play.

Wojciech Szczesny has certainly stamped his authority on the number 1 spot this season for the Gunners. Arguably in the form of his life the 23 year old Poland international has produced a number of excellent performances this year and has been a major influence on the clubs amazing start to the season.

German defender Per Mertesacker is set to sign an extension to his current deal which will keep him at the club till 2017.

The German international, who arrived at the club in the wake of the 8-2 thrashing by Manchester United back in 2011, has a contract which is set to expire in the summer of 2015, and as such the club are looking to give the defender a new deal thanks to is imperious performances at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.

The 29-year old Mertesacker, known affectionately to fans as BFG, has formed a fantastic partnership which Laurent Koscielny in the middle of the defence, and have seen Arsenal become one of most frugal defences in the league.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given his thoughts on Florian Thauvin, the Marseille midfielder the Gunners will face in tonight’s crucial Champions League clash at the Emirates.

Thauvin was linked constantly with the north London club in January before he agreed a move to Ligue 1 Lille.

“I have my reasons”

The 20-year-old was on the move again this summer, eventually agreeing a deal to move to Stade Velodrome, although only after skipping training sessions to force a move.