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Wright: Wenger will probably leave in 2017

Cape Town - Ian Wright contributed to continued speculation on Arsene Wenger's future by saying he expects the Frenchman to leave when his contract expires in 2017.

Despite his long and successful history with the London club, Wenger has come under increasing pressure to make way for a manager who can take the club to new heights.

"I think that it will run its natural course. In 2017 he will probably leave," said Wright in an interview with BT Sport.

"We saw another couple of banners [against West Ham]. When you see the season we've had - in the way that this season's gone - the fans and everybody will be disappointed," the Gunners legend continued, refering to a banner which read: "Every good story has an ending. Au revoir Arsène."

Saturday's thrilling 3-3 draw against West Ham would not have helped the embattled Frenchman's standing, given the fact that his team were 2-0 up approaching half-time.

On the topic of the Gunners' lack of defensive depth, Wright said: "I don't think you can question the quality and ability of the players he's signed, but it's games like this where you need a bit more resilience.

"He's saying his problems are [in the defence], and I know Arsenal fans have been saying 'we need a centre-half' for many years.

"They've bought Gabriel - is he the answer? I'm not sure he is, so again at the centre of Arsenal's defence they've been weak."

It's not only the club's manager who is coming under fire from irate supporters. Arsenal's majority shareholder Stan Kroenke was also singled out in a banner reading "Love Arsenal. Hate Kroenke."

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