• ‘I’ve never known someone who’s as hungry and determined’ • Jack Wilshere fit for home game against Stoke on Sunday

Arsène Wenger’s hunger to lead Arsenal is stronger than ever before, according to his assistant manager, Steve Bould. The Frenchman’s future remains the hottest topic of discussion at the club, with a section of the fan-base adamant he should stand down after another season of Premier League failure.

Wenger, for his part, has made it clear that he intends to see out the final season on his contract in 2018-19. The 68-year-old was unable to attend his media briefing before Sunday’s home game against Stoke because of a sore throat and he sent Bould in his stead.

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Bould, who has been the assistant since 2012, having previously coached the club’s youth players for 11 years, was evidently under instruction to say little, which was a shame as his insight into the dynamics of the coaching team and training sessions would have been interesting.

But he did have warm words for Wenger. “He is remarkable,” Bould said. “Behind closed doors, I’ve never known someone who’s as hungry and determined to win football games. It’s as big as I’ve ever seen, for sure.

“I admire him immensely. He takes unbelievable stick off an awful lot of people and he’s just one of the great managers. It’s a pleasure for me to sit next to him. I understand that he’s doing a great job, as far as I’m concerned, and has done a great job for an awfully long time.”

Bould reported that Jack Wilshere was fit after the knee problem that ruled him out of England’s friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy. Alexandre Lacazette has returned to training after knee surgery and is in contention for the Stoke game.