DERMOT Desmond will not stand in Brendan Rodgers' way if the Celtic manager is the subject of an approach from Arsenal.
The Premier League giants announced on Friday that long-serving manager Arsene Wenger will step down at the end of the season after 22 years in charge.
Rodgers has been installed as one of the bookies' favourites for the vacancy and the Hoops' largest individual shareholder told Sky Sports that he would not prevent the boss from holding talks.
Read more: Brendan Rodgers 'couldn't be happier' at Celtic as he closes in on title
"I'm glad that he's the favourite because he deserves to be," he said.
"He's an outstanding person. We wouldn't like him to leave but we can't force anybody to stay.
"Hopefully his love for the club and the setup there will induce him to stay at Celtic."
When asked if he would allow the Gunners to hold talks with the Northern Irishman, Desmond said: "Absolutely. I don't think you can put handcuffs on anybody if they want to go to a club as big as Arsenal, but it will be Brendan's decision and Brendan's decision only."
Rodgers reiterated yesterday that he was very happy with life in Glasgow as his side close in on a second successive league title.
The Hoops will clinch the Premiership trophy if they beat Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday, but the former Liverpool boss believes there is more to come from his side.
"There is still a lot of work for me to do, to achieve, on the pitch and off the pitch," he said.
"But you can only do that if you are happy and for me I couldn't be happier at this club. The support I get from the board, it is all very aligned, very clear and that allows me to work in confidence. And that gives the stability to the team and for the staff and everyone, we can all move forward.
"I am looking to the next step to take and already we are thinking how we can improve for next year, how can we be better in our form and game, in all aspects."
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