Former Arsenal Star Claims Wenger is World’s Best Manager

Former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg claims Arsene Wenger is the best manager in the world and insists the French boss can guide The Gunners to the Premier League title next season.

Guaranteeing Champions League qualification for the 2013-14 season proved difficult for Wenger's men, with a top four finish not assured until a final day win at Newcastle United as they edged out north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Ljungberg, who was a member of Wenger's Invincibles side in the 2003/04 season believes last term's top four finish gives the club solid foundations ahead of a campaign during which the focus will be on ending a trophy drought dating back to 2005.

"I think [Wenger] and Sir Alex Ferguson are the best managers in the world," Ljungberg told Arsenal Player.

"He's done remarkably well for a very long period of time and I think with some certain economical restraints at times when they were building the stadium. To still achieve what he's done is actually quite remarkable.

"The Club went out after the game against Newcastle and said they weren't happy with being fourth. They want to win trophies as a Club and I think that was a very important message they sent to all the fans.

"I think they have the foundations. I think it's extremely important that they qualify for the Champions League, otherwise it could be difficult to attract certain players. I always say that they are going to win the league so I'll say that again."

Arsenal have a huge opportunity in the coming season to take advantage of the rebuilding process at champions Manchester United, runners-up Manchester City and Europa League winners and third palce finishers Chelsea, all of whom begin next season with a new manager.

And with Wenger entering his 17th year in charge at Arsenal, and boasting a reportedly massive transfer budget this summer, the Frenchman has as good a chance as any to end the club's wait for a major trophy.