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Arsenal have opened talks with manager Arsene Wenger about a new deal.

Negotiations are still at the preliminary stage but the club have made it clear to Wenger they want him to stay. And the feedback from Wenger is positive.

Nothing will be decided in the next month as ­Arsenal prepare for the new season.

They leave this week on a lucrative tour to the Far East which takes in matches in Japan and Vietnam.

And Wenger is working to bring in new signings to ­improve his squad and make them capable of ­winning honours after an eight-year drought.

(Image: Getty)

Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid is his No.1 target and his scouting team have suggested a move for Everton’s Marouane Fellaini.

Higuain is set to arrive this week and Wenger may have to move sooner rather than later for Fellaini who could also be a target for Manchester United.

But the Arsenal board are most anxious to tie up the long-term future of Wenger at The Emirates and more intense talks will start at the end of this month.

He has just one year left on his present deal and ­Arsenal do not want to let the agreement expire, ­especially as Paris St ­Germain have wanted Wenger for some time.

Arsenal do not want to be dealing with constant ­speculation about their manager in a season when they are determined to end the trophy famine.

And the indications are that Wenger will sign at least a three-year deal by September.