ÇThe protests against Arsene Wenger’s reign at Arsenal show no signs of abating but after booking another FA Cup date at Wembley on Saturday, the manager at the eye of the storm was adamant that his “preference” was still to stay at the club.

Wenger reckoned he did not want to be the main talking point after his players had coasted into the FA Cup semi-final by swatting away the challenge of minor league Lincoln City 5-0.

Yet, inevitably, after another traumatic week in which Arsenal had been humiliated 5-1 a second time by Bayern Munich and departed the Champions League yet again at the last-16 stage, the 67-year-old Frenchman and his future were still the main focus of attention at the Emirates Stadium.

Those fans who feel Wenger should step down now that Arsenal’s European and Premier League ambitions look lost for another year made their feelings known outside, holding banners with messages like “Wexit” and “Time for Change”.

Some supporters, though, countered with banners