Arsene Wenger: 5 Reasons Defeat to Udinese Could Spell the End at Arsenal

In case you hadn't noticed, Arsenal are in the midst of a minor crisis right now.

Having sold their captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and first-choice left-back Gael Clichy to Manchester City, the club have now agreed terms with City for Samir Nasri.

Meanwhile, the only (reasonably) big-name player arriving at The Emirates this season, Gervinho, has started his career with a red card and some rather unconvincing performances.

Add to that the club's poor start to the season, hints of conflict in the dressing room and unrest in the stands, and you've got the makings of a footballing disaster story.

All of which makes tonight's Champions League playoff second leg against Udinese a must-win game for everybody concerned, not least Arsene Wenger.

Here are five reasons why defeat tonight could see Wenger make his Arsenal exit.

1. "Thursday Night, Channel 5"

It's the chant fans of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City will relish singing at The Emirates if Arsenal are relegated to the Europa League this season.

If it happens, it's a scenario that will not only have huge financial implications for the Gunners, but also seriously affect their ability to lure big-name players to the club.

Could such a huge disappointment cause the club to consider firing Wenger? Probably not, but the man himself may decide to exit stage left and take on a new challenge.

2. 6 Years, No Major Trophies

It's been six years since Arsenal beat Manchester United to win the 2005 FA Cup Final.

They haven't won a major trophy since and frustration is growing among the fans. If Udinese knock them out tonight, Arsenal will suffer a major blow in confidence that could threaten their chances of ending that baron run this season.

The club and Arsene Wenger may together decide it's time for new direction.

3. Player Exodus

Arsene Wenger has already seen Glichy, Fabregas and Nasri walk out on the club this summer.

If Arsenal are knocked out of the Champions League tonight, they could leave the likes of Jack Wilshere, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott in a difficult position next summer.

If Arsenal don't have the appeal to attract players they'll struggle to make the top four. If they don't make the top four, their best players will ultimately be forced to look elsewhere to further their ambitions.

Wenger knows this only too well and will not want to be running a team shorn of all its major talent.

4. The Lure of PSG

Paris-Saint Germain have got a lot of money and have already enquired about Wenger being their manager.

At the time, he said he'd always honored his contracts, but if Arsenal want him to go, it could be perfect timing for Wenger to return to France and start rebuilding his reputation.

5. Player Unrest

The Arsenal dressing room can't have been a particularly happy place in recent months with the Fabregas and Nasri situations looming large.

Theo Walcott admitted in June that players were getting "frustrated," and the criticism that would follow a defeat to Udinese tonight would only exacerbate any tensions.

There was also a spiky Twitter exchange between Emmanuel Frimpong and Jack Wilshere yesterday. Wilshere sent Nasri his best wishes. Frimpong replied with "Pffffff comeon Jack".

If Wenger's players are unhappy he won't get the best out of them. He'll know if he's lost the dressing room and may decide it's best to move on.