Arsenal legend-turned-pundit Paul Merson believes Arsene Wenger will end his two-decade long career with the Gunners once the season comes to a close.
The north London side have endured a difficult run since the turn of the year, and their lean form has seen them bow out of the FA Cup as well as lose the League Cup final to Manchester City last weekend.
The Europa League remains the only source of silverware this term, and Merson does not see Arsene Wenger staying put beyond the summer, unless they achieve European success come May.
He told Sky Sports: “No. As I sit here I say no. If they go to AC Milan and win next Thursday, and they go on and win the Europa League, for me that’s a great season for where Arsenal are at the moment. If they win a European trophy it would be a phenomenal feat.
“But I can’t see it. I don’t even fancy them to go and beat Brighton on Sunday. I feel [Wenger] would’ve gone if he didn’t have AC Milan on Thursday night. I feel he would’ve then gone if he got beat by Brighton.”
Arsenal suffered their second straight league defeat following a 3-0 thumping at the hands of City on Thursday night, and this sees them 10 points off the Champions League spots, which may be further extended.
The north Londoners take on Brighton on the road on Sunday afternoon, and based on their current form and confidence, the game could prove a tricky one for Wenger’s side ahead of their European commitments.
AC Milan were probably a favourable side to play prior to the turn of the year, but they have now turned into a strong unit under Gennaro Gattuso with a 13-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.
More so, their defence has been solid with nearly 10 hours with conceding a goal in any competition, and it will be interesting to see whether Danny Welbeck can find his goalscoring boots since August, where he was undoubtedly in the best form of his Gunners’ career.
