Robert Pires Says Keeping Wenger More Important Than Ozil, Sanchez for Arsenal

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has become the latest former Gunner to speak out in favour of manager Arsene Wenger, saying a contract extension for the Frenchman is more important than deals for stars Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Ozil.

As reported by Luke Brown of The Independent, the Frenchman hopes the duo will stay at the Emirates Stadium, but keeping the boss at the helm is even more pivotal:

"

I hope for him (Sanchez) and Ozil they extend with new contracts. The negotiation is very difficult and maybe complicated.

But the most important is to see Arsene Wenger extend. Arsene Wenger is very, very important for Arsenal for now and for next season.

I believe in Arsene Wenger. For me it was a privilege to work with him for six seasons. He was not perfect but he was good, we won some titles.

"

Per the report, former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann previously told TalkSport he, too, still believed in Wenger, while Sol Campbell thought the manager will sign a two-year contract.

Pires played under Wenger between 2000 and 2006, winning two Premier League titles and two FA Cups. He was a member of the Invincibles and the team that made it to the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2006, only to lose to Barcelona.

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Those were the glory days of Arsenal, and the club hasn't come anywhere near that level of success of late. The Gunners haven't won the Premier League title since 2004 and sit outside of the top four in the competition. In this season's Champions League, Bayern Munich embarrassed the side in the round of 16, winning 10-2 on aggregate.

Wenger has been under fire for some time, and following a difficult period, the pressure is higher than it has ever been. Per the report, fans even flew a banner over the stadium demanding his departure during the 3-1 defeat against West Bromwich Albion, although another flew over in support of the manager.

Henry Winter of The Times believes the club board has a difficult decision to make, as it's easy to see why Wenger would want to stay on:

The situation with Sanchez and Ozil only complicates matters. Both have been the subject of exit speculation throughout the season, as Wenger and Co. have repeatedly spoken about contract negotiations with the two that have yet to bear fruit.

Per Nick Lustig of Sky Sports, Wenger recently told beIN Sports those talks have been put on hold, which could be seen as a bad sign.