Dein reveals Wenger's doubts over Arsenal future

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Wenger yesterday put an end to speculation surrounding his future by penning a new three-year contract extension which will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until June 2011.

Doubts: David Dein

But Dein, who left the Gunners' board following a disagreement over plans to bring American investor Stan Kroenke's millions to the club, said he believed the Frenchman contemplated quitting the Gunners.

"When I left in April I think his future was very much in the balance, in fact he said to me at the time he wasn't sure he wanted to stay on," Dein said.

"I think it was important he stayed on for the future of the club with all the players he is bringing through, his eye for talent.

"It was a very, very major decision for him to stay on. Certainly I wanted him to stay on. My love for the club is undiminished, irrespective of events that have happened and I know Arsene is right for the club."

Dein may no longer be a member of the Arsenal board but he remains a key figure in the club's future.

He sold his 14.58% stake for £75million to Red and White Holdings Ltd - a company co-owned by Russian tycoon Alisher Usmanov and business partner Farhad Moshiri that has pledged to buy shares in the club - and was then appointed its chairman.

Dein, speaking in an interview with Sky Sports News, insisted the trio still had no current plans to launch a takeover at the present time despite Wenger signing a new deal.

He added: "No, not at all. It was always the intention for Arsene to continue at the club. He is the right man to take the club forward.

"As for the question of future investment it remains to be seen what will happen but the comments that I made last week are true that I can see the landscape is changing and it will continue to change.

"In the fullness of time you will see that more investment will be needed.

"There is certainly no takeover plan at this moment."