Wenger facing decisive campaign

Former Arsenal star Perry Groves believes next season could be crucial in deciding Arsene Wenger's future at the club. Groves, a favourite with the fans during his playing days for the Gunners, believes Wenger will sign a new contract extension if they can win some silverware next season.Wenger's contract runs out at the end of next season and if Arsenal remain without a trophy, then the omens on the Frenchman staying do not look convincing."It is a big season for Arsene," Groves said."His contract is up at the end of next season. If he signs the right sort of players and Arsenal are competitive and have a realistic chance of winning the Premier League then I think he will stay longer."If they are not then sometimes things run their natural course. If you look at the four games against Manchester United and Chelsea this season, in three of them I felt Arsenal were a long way away from those two."Chelsea and United are physically and mentally stronger because they have won things. This Arsenal team have not won things."Much will depend on how Wenger's fills the void left by Cesc Fabregas.He looks certain to return to Barcelona but his departure will leave a major gap in Arsenal's armoury.Groves believes Wenger should make it a priority to find a midfielder with physical presence plus three other players, if they are to make an impact against United and Chelsea next term."It is very difficult to replace world-class players straight away because Arsene won't spend that sort of money," said Groves."He has spent two or three years maturing this team but the one thing they are missing is a physical presence."It is a shame Aaron Ramsey has such a bad injury as I think Arsene would groom him for the Fabregas role. Jack Wilshere will come back (from his loan at Bolton) and someone like Mikel Arteta would fit that role."But Arsenal need a midfielder with a physical presence and I don't think fans would complain if Yaya Toure was to come the other way as part of the Fabregas deal. There is no time to nurture players now."Arsenal need four established players because his policy has not worked."I think he needs a goalkeeper and a centre-back because William Gallas is going to go and Sol Campbell can't play a whole season. They need someone like a Brede Hangeland from Fulham or a Roger Johnson at Birmingham."They also need a combative central midfielder in the Scott Parker mould and a striker, although they've got Marouane Chamakh coming in."I would like to think Chamakh will make a big difference. If you are playing up front for Arsenal, with the chances they create, then any striker worth his salt should score 20-25 goals a season."

Source: Team_Talk