Arsene Wenger admits he is 'scared' of retiring from management

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he is "scared of the day" he is forced to retire from football.

The 66-year-old, who will celebrate his 20th anniversary as Gunners boss in October, has one year left on his contract at the Emirates and is yet to negotiate an extension.

The Frenchman, 66, is preparing to celebrate his 20th anniversary as Arsenal boss

However, he admits he is dreading his retirement and is unlikely to walk away from the game, unlike his former managerial rival Sir Alex Ferguson.

"It's been my life and, quite honestly, I'm scared of the day. Because the longer I wait, the more difficult it will be to lose the addiction," Wenger said in a new book, Game Changers, by former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley.

Wenger says he cannot understand Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to walk away from management

"After Alex retired and we played them over there, he sent a message to me to come up and have a drink with him.

"I asked 'Do you miss it?' He said, 'Not at all'. I didn't understand that. It's an emptiness in your life, especially when you've lived your whole life waiting for the next game and trying to win it.

"Our pleasure comes from that - and our social attitude as well."

Wenger says he would be willing to spend £300m on the right player if he had the money Wenger says he would be willing to spend £300m on the right player if he had the money

Wenger has come under pressure from Arsenal fans in recent seasons for a perceived lack of investment in the transfer market compared to their major Premier League rivals.

Banners calling for Wenger's resignation were unveiled at numerous matches last season, although the Frenchman remains defiant over his frugal transfer policy.

Arsenal's talks with Valencia over Shkodran Mustafi have stalled

Arsenal have made just one high-profile signing this summer - Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach - but Wenger may be forced to enter the market before the transfer window closes due to an injury crisis in defence.

With Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista sidelined, Wenger has attempted to sign Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi, although talks have reached a stalemate.