LINEKER WARNS FRENCHMAN’S GUNNERS ARE IN DECLINE NOW

FROM BACK PAGE is Sir Alex Ferguson, but he was still winning league titles. Wenger was still winning FA Cups and until this season had always got in the top four, but that has changed.

“I just hope if and when he decides to go he does it himself because I don’t want people to feel badly about him and I hope he doesn’t spoil that.”

The Frenchman took over at Arsenal in 1996 and won three Premier League titles – including two Doubles – and he made FA Cup history on Saturday by becoming the first boss to win the trophy seven times. But he has faced a backlash from some fans this season who want him out. However, his new deal was ratified at a board meeting yesterday, including a shake-up of his backroom staff. There will be funds for him to make big contract offers to star duo Mesut Ozil (left) and Alexis Sanchez, who have a year left on their deals. Wenger could also move for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca and is keen on Leicester playmaker Riyad Mahrez and Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar. He also likes Malaga’s attacking duo of Pablo Fornals and Sandro Ramirez.