LONDON -- Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick says talks about extending manager Arsene Wenger's contract will take place "at the appropriate time" but he is confident the Frenchman can take the club forward.
Wenger's future was one of the talking points at the club's annual general meeting on Monday, with his contract expiring next summer.
Wenger, who celebrated his 20th anniversary at the club this month, has repeatedly said he will not make a decision on his future until after the season ends, and Keswick deflected a question on whether the board would try to extend the 67-year-old's contract sooner.
"We all recognise the fantastic contribution Arsene has made to the club in last 20 years. We are confident about his ability to take us forward," Keswick said during the meeting at the Emirates. "We will sit down and discuss the future at the appropriate time but our focus is on maintaining the current run and competing for trophies."
Wenger's 20 years in charge were also recognised by majority owner Stan Kroenke at the start of the meeting, who said the Frenchman was "one of the main reasons" he bought into the club.
"Arsene you have always shown the dedication, commitment and energy and you brought a new style of football to English football and our club," Kroenke said. "Also in a world that is subject with great scrutiny and pressure you always handled yourself with tremendous class.
"We are very excited about the club this year and the season. We know we will compete for trophies -- we always have -- and we would like nothing better than to see you win the league. You should be proud of the last 20 years."
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis was also asked about the ongoing contract talks with star duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, but shed little light on how they are progressing.
"We have a good track record in recent seasons of retaining our key players, developing young players and attracting new players," Gazidis said. "I can't get into a discussion on individual players but can assure you will apply the same focus, rigour and diligence to members of our current squad and I think you can see the direction of travel."