Arsene Wenger insists small crowds at Emirates stadium 'are not a big concern'

 insists he is unconcerned by dwindling Emirates Stadium attendances, claiming Arsenal games are 'sold out' and that season ticket renewals for 2018-19 are 'outstanding.'

With Arsenal sixth in the  table and relying on winning the  to return to the  next season, recent matches have been played out before thousands of empty seats.

Wenger has previously used cold weather, Mother's Day and Easter Sunday as excuses for the stayaway supporters and the Frenchman still doesn't believe there is a problem.

Speaking ahead of their home match with West Ham on Sunday, he said: 'It is not a big concern. Our crowd is very solid at the moment.

'We have played on some special days and we are not going for the league. We have faithful fans who will always be there and support the club.

'The renewal numbers for next season are outstanding. We are sold out in every single game so I don't know what the problem is at the moment.

'With our numbers and how much people want to renew tickets, I don't believe we have a major problem. The biggest problem is not being in a position to challenge for the title.'

Arsenal have been mocked for publishing attendances close to the stadium's capacity of 59,867 by saying that was the number of 'tickets sold' for the fixture.

But this figure includes season ticket holders who didn't actually turn up to watch the game.

Wenger deflected questions about his own future, saying that his biggest concern was ensuring a top six finish in the Premier League and winning the Europa League.

The Gunners have been handed a tough draw against tournament favourites Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.

Wenger said: 'My personal situation is not so much my worry at the moment. My worry is to transform a season with many disappointments into success and that is what matters to me.

'It is not my future in front of me every time I make a half-turn. That is not my biggest priority. My worry is Arsenal Football Club.

'I am responsible for the results and when the results are not as good as everyone wants it, I cannot master that. I can only master the commitment and quality of my work.'

Wenger also said Jack Wilshere will be given until the end of the season to decide whether to accept the offer of a new Arsenal contract.

He said: 'I don't know what is in his mind. Until now, he has not signed. He has an offer and an offer for a long-term contract and I hope at some stage he will sign it.

'He has the freedom to make that decision, he knows I want him to stay. Overall, I hope he will.

'He is focused on the next games. He will make his decision a bit later. But he will not want to go to the World Cup having not settled his situation.'

The Gunners boss believes Aaron Ramsey will be fit for Sunday's game despite cutting his leg, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan is still three to four days away from full training.

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