ARSENE WENGER is battling for his Arsenal future and needs to qualify for the Champions League, according to reports.
The Mail claims the Gunners board want stability for next season as the Frenchman approaches the last 12 months of his current two-year deal.
And Arsenal chiefs are said to regard finishing in the top four - or winning the Europa League - as essential.
Wenger's proud 19-year record of qualifying for the Champions League ended last term when they only finished fifth in the Premier League.
This time the Gunners board reportedly want to avoid the speculation over Wenger's future that dogged last season.
Giving him a new contract last summer split fans, some of whom are fed up with Arsenal's increasing failure in recent campaigns to mount a serious title challenge.
The Gunners appear to have three clear options, should they meet to discuss Wenger this summer.
He could leave at the end of the season, finish his contract - which ends in the summer of 2019 - or be handed a new, longer deal.
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And the Mail also claims the Arsenal board have already put together an "exit strategy" for Wenger.
Arsenal face a Carabao Cup final against Prem leaders Manchester City on February 25.
But the sixth-placed Gunners can only qualify for the Champions League with a highly unlikely top-four finish or winning what looks appears to be an especially competitive Europa League.
And the Gunners must visit Ostersunds in the last-32 on Thursday with Danny Welbeck as their only recognised striker.
New boy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is cup-tied while France star Alexandre Lacazette has been ruled out for six weeks.
Arsenal star Jack Wilshere and Tottenham's Erik Lamela argue after the final whistle at Wembley