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Arsene Wenger has received an overwhelming show of support from Arsenal fans for him to remain as manager.

Wenger's popularity rating - with more than 70 per cent backing him - appears to be riding high as Arsenal fans are swept along by finishing in the top four and at the prospect of the club going on a major spending spree.

From last season's low points when fans were calling for change during another trophy-less campaign, the Arsenal faithful appear to have fallen back in love with Wenger.

Gunners boss Wenger is lining up the biggest transfer window spending spree of his 17-year reign at Arsenal, with Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain top of his summer wish-list.

It will be new territory for the north Londoners as they prepare to smash their transfer record for the £22million-rated striker who will command a contract in excess of £130,000-a-week.

Arsenal are also keen on Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini and are watching Wayne Rooney's situation at Manchester United - and chief executive Ivan Gazidis has already made it clear there is big money to spend.

Wenger has a £70m-plus transfer kitty and a new "escalation of financial firepower" to compete with both Manchester clubs and Chelsea as Arsenal look to challenge for the title again.

There were reservations in the survey - with a record 643 members taking part - about the wage structure, majority shareholder Stan Kroenke and Wenger having too much say over finances.

But generally, the poll of the influential Arsenal Supporters' Trust was a major thumbs-up for Wenger.

It is a big turnaround for Arsenal fans as another supporters' group, the Black Scarf Movement, put together a survey last January when just FIVE per cent felt he was the best man for the job.

Arsenal had hit a low point after crashing out of the Capital One Cup to Bradford, they went on to lose at home in the FA Cup to Blackburn and were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.

But Arsenal's end-of-season revival - they made up a seven-point deficit on Tottenham to snatch fourth place - and the hope of a new-look line-up next season has brought the feel-good factor back to the Emirates.

VIDEO: John Cross discusses WHY Wenger has experienced a swell of support

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AST chairman Glyn Taylor said: "Our members have given their clear support to Arsene Wenger continuing as Arsenal's manager. They are also content for him to enter the next season without a new contract signed with 75% saying the right time to review his position is in 2014.

"However, AST members have also made it clear that they believe that Wenger wields too much responsibility over the transfer fees paid by Arsenal and feel that the 'socialist' wage policy he champions is no longer effective.

"The AST was encouraged to hear Ivan Gazidis confirm recently that this approach would evolve and we urge him to take more direct control of the financial side of transfer activity at Arsenal and ensure the significant cash reserves Arsenal have to strengthen the team get spent this summer."

The results were overwhelming that they want Wenger to stay even after eight years since they won any silverware.

More than 70 per cent backed him to remain as manager and, perhaps even more interestingly, 75 per cent said "it was fine" for him to enter the new season even without a contract agreed beyond 2014.

It comes even though 51 per cent admitted they were "dissatisfied" with the performance of the team in a wide ranging survey completed by a record number of members.

Arsenal fans clearly do not blame Wenger for the club's recent failings as 57 per cent of supporters want to see him offered a place on the club's board when he eventually retires.

But 94 per cent of respondents said US tycoon Kroenke should spell out a clearer message on his "vision" for the club.

Taylor added: "Once again, AST members reiterated their concerns about Stan Kroenke's ownership of the club with only 11 per cent being satisfied with how he has managed Arsenal and 94% saying he has not done enough to explain his vision.

"The AST once again urges him to engage with fans as part of a process of strengthening dialogue and understanding of supporters views to help make Arsenal a stronger club."

Key questions fans were asked

How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with Arsenal's football performance in recent years?

Very Satisfied: 1 per cent

Satisfied: 16 per cent

Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied: 21 per cent

Dissatisfied: 51 per cent

Very Dissatisfied: 11 per cent

To what extent do you agree or disagree that Arsene Wenger should remain manager of Arsenal?

Strongly agree: 40 per cent

Somewhat agree: 31 per cent

Neither agree nor disagree: 11 per cent

Somewhat disagree: 13 per cent

Strongly disagree 5 per cent

Arsene Wenger is entering the final year of his contract at Arsenal, please tick the box that best represents your views on how this situation should be handled by Arsenal Football club.

It is fine for him to enter the final season with no new contract agreed, the position should be reviewed at the end of the 2013/14 season: 75 per cent

He should sign a renewal and commit to the future of the Club before he is given a considerable transfer budget to spend: 25 per cent

Do you think Stan Kroenke has done enough to explain his vision for Arsenal?

Yes: 4 per cent

No: 94 per cent

Don't know: 2 per cent

