Wenger to target title after signing new two-year deal with Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he will focus on a "sustained league challenge" after signing a two-year contract extension.

The veteran boss, who has been in charge of the north London club for 21 years, has faced criticism from fans concerned that the Gunners have been failing to make progress.

He has described some of the comments as a "disgrace", saying they created a "horrendous atmosphere".

While the Frenchman has guided his teams to Champions League qualification in every season since 1997/98, this year they finished fifth, meaning they will play in the Europa League instead.

They did, however, end the season with some silverware after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

In a statement on the club's website, Wenger said he was looking to the future with "optimism and excitement".

"This is a strong group of players," he added, "and with some additions we can be even more successful.

"We're committed to mounting a sustained league challenge and that will be our focus this summer and next season."

Majority owner Stan Kroenke said the club's "ambition" was to "win the Premier League and other major trophies in Europe".

"Arsene is the best person to help us make that happen," he added. "He has a fantastic track record and has our full backing."

Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis have conducted what the club described as "a full review of our on and off the pitch activities".

It said "areas for improvement" had been identified "to build a sustained title challenge".

In the last two years, the club said it had invested almost £40m in the facilities at its training centre in London Colney, and at the Academy at Hale End.

Mr Gazidis said: "There is no complacency anywhere at this club.

"The club has grown beyond recognition in every aspect in recent years and we have the platform to be successful and meet the ambitions we and our fans share."