Arsenal have suffered a setback to their long-term planning after the German Federation made it clear they will do their utmost to keep Joachim Low beyond next year’s World Cup finals.
With Arsene Wenger turning 64 in October and out of contract at the end of next season, Arsenal bosses are beginning to consider the possibility of life without their long-serving manager.
They are determined to plan ahead and ensure any transition goes smoothly and are understood to consider Low’s philosophy and track record ideal credentials for taking them forward.
Gunners target: Joachim Low (left) watching Bayern maul Barcelona on Tuesday night
But, despite having already clocked up seven years in the Germany hot seat, Low’s employers have no intention of letting him leave without a fight.
Sportsmail can reveal that talks over a new improved contract for the 53-year old will begin in the next few months, with Federation bosses keen to impress on him their belief that he can take Germany back to the top of world football.
Confirming their stance, Federation president Wolfgang Niersbach said: ‘There is no question we want Joachim to remain in charge beyond the World Cup finals, and we would like to have a decision on his future before we head for Brazil.’
Expiry date: Arsene Wenger's contract runs out at the end of summer 2014
The one glimmer of hope for Arsenal is that Low, who replaced Jurgen Klinsmann in 2006 after two years as his assistant, is keeping his cards close to his chest and has yet to decide whether to continue as national coach or seek a return to club management.
But with general manager Oliver Bierhoff already dismissing his country’s chances in South America, Low may decide to have one more tilt at landing a trophy at the 2016 European Championships in France.
Guidance: Low talks to Germany and Bayern star Bastian Schweinsteiger