Arsene Wenger dismisses reports will be AC Milan's next manager as ‘fake news’ after Arsenal exit

The Frenchman added that he will return to work next year, but insisted that he does not yet know where

Arsene Wenger has dismissed reports linking him with the AC Milan manager’s job as “fake news” and insisted that he does not know where he will work next.

Gennaro Gattuso is under pressure after presiding over an underwhelming start to the season for Milan, who lie fourth in Serie A and are already 10 points adrift of leaders Juventus.

Reports in France this week claimed that the US investment fund in control of Milan, who lured long-time Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis to San Siro in September, are pushing for Wenger to replace Gattuso.

But addressing the reports in his capacity as a pundit on Qatari sports broadcaster beIN Sports, Wenger said: “The only thing I can say is that it's fake news. If I would sign somewhere I would tell you but it is wrong news.

“I cannot master the rumours, I can only master what I do in my life.

“What I will do at the moment, I cannot tell you because I don't know. I will work next year again, where, honestly – you know I will tell you the truth – I don't know.

Wenger has been heavily linked with replacing Gattuso as Milan coach (Getty)

“I don't know what I will do. I personally don't know. I don't want to lie and that's why I can't give you any information.

“I'm at the moment just focused on doing well for beIN Sports and that's not easy.”

Wenger reluctantly stepped down from his role as Arsenal manager in May after 22 years at the helm, having endured growing supporter discontent towards the end of his tenure.

Gazidis played a key role in Wenger’s departure, beginning the restructuring of the club while the Frenchman was still in place with the appointments of former Borussia Dortmund scout Sven Mislintat as Arsenal’s new head of recruitment and Raul Sanllehi as head of football relations.

Arsenal have made a positive start to the post-Wenger era under Unai Emery and currently lie fifth in the Premier League after 11 matches, six points behind leaders Manchester City.

Wenger remains hugely respected within the world of football and has repeatedly voiced his desire to return to top-level management sooner rather than later.