Wenger puts Gunners on notice

Arsene Wenger has warned his players that their futures depend on their performances in the final nine games of the season.

Arsenal are four points off rivals Tottenham in fourth, while the Frenchman has recently dropped goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and club captain Thomas Vermaelen.

The Gunners manager says that he will be looking to improve the squad this summer and his transfer activity at the end of the season may depend on how his players finish the campaign.

Wenger told reporters: “What is important is we look at how we finish the season, how well we play and make the decisions who to buy and who to sell at the end of the season.

“This will be influenced by the way we play in our last nine games but what is important is to analyse where we can improve at the end of the season.”

The Arsenal manager has been disappointed that his team did not fight for the title this season and acknowledged ‘blips’ in the domestic cup competitions – but is largely pleased with the commitment shown by his side.

The 63-year old continued: “What is for sure is that we didn’t fight for the championship. What is for sure is that we have had some blips that were not expected – Blackburn and Bradford.

“But, overall, I must say the attitude of the team has been great and when everyone is here we have a strong team.”