David Bentley: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a legend

David Bentley has described Arsene Wenger as a “legend” and says he doesn’t want to see the Frenchman ruin his legacy at Arsenal.

The Frenchman has found himself under constant pressure in recent weeks following his side’s stuttering form and the uphill task facing them in the race for Champions League qualification.

Wenger’s situation has been made all the more pressing by the fact that his contract at Arsenal is due to expire at the end of the season and the Frenchman is yet to commit himself to the club.

Bentley played under Wenger as a youngster at Arsenal before opting to make the controversial transfer to arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the former midfielder insists that he is full of respect for the Arsenal manager after being quizzed for his take on the Frenchman.

Speaking to 888sport, Bentley said: “Arsene is a legend. He’s unbelievable and ingrained in the football club. He is Arsenal.

“But every good thing must come to an end and you wouldn’t want all this to fizzle out.

“Sir Alex Ferguson did the right thing and left his legacy intact. It’s his decision but does he want to be remembered as the great Wenger or be painted as he has been these past three or four seasons?

“Yet he could still turn it around. I believe a couple of signings of the pedigree of a Zlatan Ibrahimovic and it can be a different story. They would nurture the players they already have.”

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Arsenal, who finished second last season, return to Premier League action on Wednesday night with a home clash against West Ham United at The Emirates.