Ex-Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn demands the club target the Premier League title next season to vindicate Arsene Wenger’s new contract.

As reported by the Belfast Telegraph, the Gunners left-back believes Arsenal have to put their money where their mouth is to try and win their first Premier League title since 2004.

Winterburn wants the London club to spend big and make a sustained challenge for the top-flight crown in 2017/18 to vindicate the controversial contract extension given to manager Arsene Wenger.

“ They’ve made the decision, so it’s now time to put in a serious title challenge. There’s probably 20-25 percent that would like to have seen a change (of manager), but (Wenger’s) in charge and we’re now expecting some significant signings,” he said.

“I would love to see the team progress. He’s come through a difficult period. They went backwards after going into the new stadium – now’s the time to be serious for the title. The club statement was positive and it will be interesting to see what happens in the transfer window.”

Arsenal finished outside of a Champions League place for the first time in nearly two decades this season and the future of their two best players – Alexis Sanchez & Mesut Ozil – is in doubt with the pair having just 12 months on their deal.

The club are expected to push harder for a top-flight crown in 2017/18 and pursue top transfer targets to strengthen the squad. Supporters have demanded such and Winterburn wants to see greater ambition.