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Arsenal legend Robert Pires thinks Arsene Wenger will sign a contract extension with the club, saying his fellow Frenchman remains "motivated and willing" to stay on as manager. Pires, who still trains regularly with Arsenal's first team and is in frequent contact with Wenger, expects the 67-year-old to defy his critics by remaining in charge for a 22nd season. The Arsenal boss is out of contract at the end of the current campaign but is considering whether to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium. "In my opinion, he will renew his contract, at least for one season. He is motivated and willing," Pires told Cadena Ser. Pires, who was a key member of Arsenal's "Invincibles" side, has consistently supported Wenger and insisted the club's board also remains behind the manager. "Arsene has an offer on the table. He has to sign it. He has the backing of the president," Pires said. "The fans want to win the title and Arsenal are not doing that well. They are in the [FA] Cup semifinals. "He has to continue and if he does, he needs to change many things. That is the most important thing for him and for Arsenal. We will see what happens." Pires also echoed Wenger in talking up France's chances to win the World Cup next summer in Russia. France, who lost in the final of Euro 2016 on home soil, have young talents including teenage striker Kylian Mbappe breaking into the team. "We are on the verge of winning something," Pires said. "We saw what happened last year. Unfortunately, we lost the final to Portugal. But we are there, close to lifting a trophy. We will see what happens in next year's World Cup. "I think [Didier] Deschamps is doing a very good job [as coach]. Each time he puts out a good team with a good mix of youth and experience. I think everyone, including the young players, are doing a good job so far. I think France and Spain can win the World Cup."
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