Arsene Wenger says his Arsenal future is not in his hands, insisting he is only an “employee” at the Premier League club amid growing pressure on the long-serving French manager.

Wenger and Arsenal were heavily criticised following Sunday’s 3-0 EFL Cup final defeat to high-flying Manchester City at Wembley.

The 68-year-old, who has been in charge since 1996, is contracted until the end of next season but there is speculation he could be replaced, with Germany boss Joachim Low among the names linked.

When asked if Arsenal were preparing for life after him ahead of Thursday’s Premier League showdown with champions-elect City, Wenger told reporters: “I don’t know.

“In life, you focus on the quality of your job. How well you commit, how hard you work. And you try to master what you can master.

“What is above you… you will not decide your future in your newspapers, and I am exactly like you.

“I am an employee and I give my best for my club that I love.”

Arsenal are seventh and 27 points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s City, who make the trip to the Emirates Stadium.