Arsene Wenger should stay for THREE more seasons and Arsenal can win Premier League next year, insists Robert Pires

ARSENAL legend Robert Pires has run the risk of upsetting a section of Gunners, declaring he wants boss Arsene Wenger to stay on for another THREE years.

Wenger has yet to announce if he will extend his stay in north London, with his contract set to expire in the summer.

Pires, 43, spent six years at Arsenal winning two Premier League titles, insists Wenger is the right man, and believes the Gunners can challenge for the title next season.

Pires told bwin sports:"I want Arsene to extend his contract for two or three more seasons, I've made that very clear. I think we can challenge for the league next year."

Arsenal gave themselves a fighting chance of forcing their way back into the top four with a narrow win against Leicester City on Wednesday.

The Gunners will end the season without a trophy, and some fans have had enough and want the 67-year-old Frenchman to walk away.

Pires added:"I understand the fans and it's quite right to criticise the players when they're not performing and it's down to the players to prove those critics wrong.

"You're not always going to win the league, it's impossible and there are so many good teams in this league. My message to the fans is be patient.

"Arsene has done well for a long, long time and he knows that the fans want to compete in the Premier League and he's doing his best to make sure that happens.

"Of course there are reasons why it hasn't happened this season, but Arsene is 100% the right man for the job."

The Gunners go to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, knowing only win will do to placate the fans and keep up the fight for Champions League football next season