Arsenal: Arsene Wenger insists 'ambitious' Stan Kroenke has always backed him in transfer market

Arsene Wenger has insisted he has always had the complete backing of club owner Stan Kroenke in the transfer market, as fans' frustration reaches boiling point.

The Gunners are nearing the end of another barren Premier League season, with a realistic title challenge long gone and a battle to hold onto fourth spot on their hands.

Wenger himself faces criticism unlike he has ever faced during his 20 years in north London, with fan groups joining forces to protest during the club's clash with Norwich City at the Emirates on Saturday 30 May.

The club's majority shareholder Kroenke has also been widely criticised for the club's lack of ambition, but Wenger insists the club supporters have been "manipulated".

"Honestly, I don't worry too much about that [fans having an agenda]," Wenger told a press conference on Friday. "What is interesting for me in football is the quality of the game, the values that we want to present. We are a hugely respected club all over the world and the quality of our game is very important. To perform no matter what kind of circumstances we play. The club is in a very strong situation and we need new fans to get behind the team."

When asked about fan frustration levelled at the owners, Wenger was defiant, insisting they had always provided him with funds in the transfer market.

"I do not want to go into personal comment on my owner. We can work with complete freedom. I believe like every football that it should work with the resources it generates and that's what we do. When I speak about values, that is one of the values and we are very proud to do that. Never [has he stopped me in the transfer market]. He is very ambitious."

Unrest among supporters has culminated in The Black Scarf Movement, REDaction and the Arsenal Supporters Trust are urging those in attendance to hold up banners reading: "Time for Change. Arsenal is stale — fresh approach needed" in the 12th minute and the 78th minute of the match against Norwich.