A leading Arsenal supporters' group has called on Arsene Wenger to step down after publishing a survey that showed nearly 80 percent of fans polled don't want the Frenchman to sign a new contract.

The Arsenal Supporters' Trust conducted a survey last week of its membership, with 78 percent saying they don't want Wenger to remain as manager after this season.

In addition, 86 percent said they don't think the club board has handled the issue of Wenger's contract in a manner that is "in the best interests of Arsenal Football Club." The AST has close to 1,000 members, about half of whom responded to the survey.

"In light of these survey results the AST now calls on Arsenal's Board not to renew Arsene Wenger's contract at the end of the 2016-17 season," the group said in a statement. "A substantial majority of our members believe he is no longer the right person to take the club forward. We are confident this is an accurate reflection of the wider fanbase."

The AST usually conducts an annual survey on a wide range of topics at the end of each season, including the performance of Wenger and the board. This was the first time they polled members during the season, and the survey took place in the midst of increased fan anger during one of Arsenal's worst ever slumps under Wenger.

Last year's end-of-season survey showed a massive split among fans, with 49 percent saying they still thought Wenger was the right man for the job. In 2015, that figure was 84 percent.

AST also published more than 400 written comments from respondents, many of which expressed gratitude toward Wenger but argued that it was time for a change.

Arsene Wenger continues to face calls for him to leave Arsenal by a strong contingent of the club's fans. Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images

Wenger hinted on Thursday that he plans to stay on for another two years, but has refused to announce any decision about his future. The club board has also remained silent on the issue, with chairman Sir Chips Keswick saying a decision will be made "at the right time."

The AST, which owns shares in the club and has long been critical of the Arsenal board's leadership, said it would present the results to board members and demand that Wenger isn't offered a new contract.

"We believe the Board's role now is to successfully manage the transition to a new manager, an eventuality for which they have had plenty of warning and time to prepare," the group said.