Wenger unsettled by Ecclestone's plan to challenge bid for Arsenal

While the board insist it is business as usual and that the pledge the directors have made not to sell the club will remain in place until April next year, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone admitted he could be interested in buying the club.

Ecclestone, a friend of Arsenal's deposed vice-chairman David Dein, admitted he would be interested in the club at the right price. It is understood he would offer Wenger a job for life as manager.

But he will have to contend with US sports tycoon Stan Kroenke, who already owns 12.2 per cent of Arsenal and whose interest in the club resulted in the ejection of Dein from the board of directors after he refused to sign a commitment not to sell his 14.6 per cent stake in the club to the American.

Ecclestone, 76, adopted a jocular tone when questioned about his interest yesterday at the Nurburgring ahead of today's European Grand Prix.

"It's good if somebody is saying that because maybe I will get approached and maybe it will be cheap enough," he said.

"I've not spoken with anybody at Arsenal. I obviously talked to David when they chucked him out, which I thought was a bit unnecessary. But if somebody offers me something that I think has good value, I will have a go."

The speculation will unsettle Wenger, who looks likely to extend his contract this autumn but who could be forced to change his plans if the current board are forced out in a bitter takeover battle.

Despite Wenger's friendship with Dein, he has forged close relationships with director Ken Friar and Danny Fiszman, the largest shareholder, whose private jet he uses for scouting trips.

Last week, midfielder Cesc Fabregas said he was sure Wenger would renew his contract, which runs out at the end of next season. The Spaniard's assertion came after a long meeting with Wenger to discuss their respective futures at the club.

The current board, who control more than 45 per cent of the club, all pledged last April not to sell to any parties for at least a year. Chairman Peter Hill-Wood has repeatedly insisted that neither he, nor other principal shareholders such as Fiszman or Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith have any need or intention of selling their shares.