Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out the possibility of taking over as England manager at the end of the season.

The Arsenal boss rebuffed the FA's advances in the summer following Roy Hodgson's dismissal, but Wembley chiefs are ready to make another beeline for him as they look to appoint a successor for disgraced Sam Allardyce.

After leading the Gunners to a 2-0 Champions League win over Basle at the Emirates on Wednesday night, Wenger was asked if he felt flattered to be linked with the England job and replied: 'Of course. But my priority has always been this club. Until the end of this season I'm here.'

The Frenchman also admitted that he knows the words to the National Anthem and added: 'The English game is always full of surprises.'

Gareth Southgate has been placed in interim charge for the next four games, but there is still a significant swell of support for Wenger at the FA.

The 66-year-old rejected their advances in the summer because he still had 12 months to run on his Arsenal contract.

But the timing of Allardyce's unexpected departure means he could now give serious consideration to the Wembley job.

After the November internationals, England play just once – against Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier in March, a match Southgate could stay in control for.

That means the FA could appoint Wenger in time for the June clashes against Scotland and – ironically – France.

Arsenal, though, will not let their legendary manager leave without a fight.

Official talks over a contract extension for the Frenchman are yet to take place – but a new deal for Wenger is a virtual formality.

Sportsmail understands the Gunners will offer Wenger a two year extension, which would take the Frenchman into his 23rd year in north London.

The mood towards a new contract for Wenger from the powers that be could, of course, change should the team have a disastrous season.

But all the early indications are that Arsenal finally have a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title this season.