Arsenal manager will turn down the chance to manage England in favour of remaining at Arsenal, claims former midfielder Robert Pires.

Wenger, who recently celebrated 20-years in charge of Arsenal, remains contracted to the club until June. With neither club nor manager having discussed the prospect of further prolonging his tenure, the Gunners boss has been linked to the vacant Three Lions role.

Nevertheless, former wing Pires is sceptical his one-time boss would find international management to his liking.

‘I think he’ll stay, but it’s true that the English national team wants him,’ Pires told Goal.

‘But I’m saying that because, and it’s just my opinion, he loves to be on the pitch every day. When you’re managing a club or a national team, it’s not the same thing.’

Pires explained that Wenger was the type of coach who loves to work on the pitch each morning while he explained England’s desire for Wenger’s signature had to do with the coach’s credibility and respect.

‘If they pick Arsene Wenger, knowing he’s a great coach, he speaks English very well, he has a good persona, so yeah he would be the perfect man.

‘But I know a bit [about] Arsene, he loves his club Arsenal, he built many things in this club… I know his contract is ending, I don’t know what will happen, but for me the best thing would be for Arsene to continue at Arsenal.’

Pires was a key player in Wenger’s title-winning sides of 2002 and 2004. Altogether the wing made 274 appearances for the club in his six seasons there, scoring 79 times.