Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood claims complicated tax issues have prevented Arsene Wenger from renewing his contract at Highbury and that it is not because of a boardroom split.
The French coach is demanding Stg£3million a year - a rise from Stg£30,000 a week to Stg£60,000 - to remain in north London and the club and Wenger's advisors are seeking a package that will enable him to pay as little tax as possible.
But this, according to Hill-Wood, is proving complicated and while some board members are willing to meet Wenger's demands, others are not.
Hill-Wood "emphatically denies" boardroom discord and that Wenger, whose current contract expires at the end of the season, is holding out for a "get-out clause".
When Wenger did not sign a new deal at the beginning of this season there were rumours that he wanted to coach the French national side after the 2002 World Cup - or that he was waiting for an offer from Old Trafford.
But Hill-Wood told the Daily Telegraph:"There are no get-out clauses in the contract.
"We are discussing a scheme that will help him keep much of what we pay him. It is very complicated.
"It is quite legitimate. Surely everyone should try and pay less tax if they can do so legally."
A meeting of Arsenal shareholders last week was told that "technical reasons" had held up the signing of a new contract."
PA