Wenger aims to take advantage of ´stability´

Arsene Wenger hopes Arsenal’s stability can help them break an eight-year trophy drought this season.

With Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all entering the 2013/14 campaign under new management, Wenger is the only boss from the English Premier League’s top four clubs last season to retain his position for the coming campaign.

Wenger, speaking from Indonesia where Arsenal are about to begin a pre-season tour of Asia, believes that could give his team the jump on their rivals this season.

“Nobody knows what effect the changes will have but we hope to take advantage of our greater stability,” Wenger said.

“What has been frustrating for me is that in recent years we couldn’t give our fans what they expected of us.

“But now we are in a position where we want to compete for the title again. Our challenge is to close the gap on Man United, City and Chelsea.”

At 63 and entering the final year of his contract with the Gunners, Wenger says he has no intention of following Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson into retirement, insisting he wants to stay at the Emirates Stadium club beyond next season.

“I am committed to staying longer at this club and we have already had a chat with Ivan (Gazidis, Arsenal chief executive),” he said.

“The talks went well and it’s not a problem. But I will not use my longevity as an advantage to stay in this position if I don’t do well.

“My future will depend on how well I do. I don’t just assume I will always be here.

“I’ve always shown my loyalty to this club and I don’t need to prove anything on that. But I want to do well for Arsenal so this is an important season for me.”

Wenger said he had resisted overtures from Paris Saint-Germain to remain at the north London club.

“People are always linking me with PSG because I am French and I know the owners,” he said.

“But if I wanted to go to PSG I would be there already. I’m not because my heart is with Arsenal and they are always my priority.”