ARSENE WENGER has been offered £6m to stay at Highbury. The double-winning manager is ready to commit himself to Arsenal for the next six years and it is expected that he will shortly sign a new five-year extension to his contract.

The deal will be worth £6m to the Frenchman, but it's not the cash that drives him on. In fact, it's been revealed that Wenger has turned down three 'silly money' managerial offers. France wanted him to go home and pick up the international reins from Aime Jacquet after the World Cup, and two major European clubs - thought to include Real Madrid - have also approached the Gunners in a bid to lure Wenger away. But he will resist as long as Arsenal continue to give him total control over the playing side of the club.

''As long as I have the freedom to work like I want I will stay,'' said Wenger. ''If the spirit is right, as it is now, and I can decide what's important for the club, I'll stay, of course. But I wouldn't want to work in difficult conditions.''

It's hardly surprising that Arsenal are so keen to tie the man to a long-term deal. Despite just seeing his side complete the double by beating Newcastle in the FA Cup Final, Wenger is already planning for next season.

The Frenchman refuses to rest on his laurels and he will be busy this summer searching for more pieces for his Highbury jigsaw. On Wednesday night, Wenger will be in Amsterdam for the European Cup Final, continuing the search for the men who can capture the Champions League, his next target as he continues to build a new Gunners dynasty.