Wenger arrived at Arsenal in 1996

Wenger, 57, has taken on the duties of former vice-chairman David Dein, who left the club in April.

"Before, Arsene was snowed under with work. Now it has become frightening," Grimandi, Arsenal's chief scout in France, told the News of the World.

"He is taking on a large part of Dein's work. The situation is difficult."

Grimandi, a former Arsenal player, has been linked with the role of sporting director at the Emirates Stadium.

But as yet the club have not pinpointed a person to take on Dein's role in negotiating contracts and transfers.

Which means Wenger, who has begun talks over a new contract at the club, is run off his feet at an already busy time of the year.

"All of us around Arsene are trying to take the strain off him," added Grimandi. "But Dein is irreplaceable."

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Wenger said recently: "Sometimes I watch tapes of Arsenal games and I see a man on the touchline I don't recognise. Then I realise it is me and that can be frightening."

The Frenchman is set to sign a new deal in the next "two weeks" and added: "There is a need to sign my contract before the end of August because I don't want that to be a handicap to the success of the team.

"I have a responsibility towards the fans, the players, the club."