Wenger eyes league title next season

LONDON, Apr 27 (Reuters) Arsene Wenger said he believes Arsenal's failure to win major honours this season has given them an extra appetite for next season.

Wenger has endured a tough campaign which culminated in close friend and vice-chairman David Dein leaving the club last week.

Arsenal have failed to get near Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the league, suffered an early exit in the Champions League and lost to Chelsea in the League Cup final.

Wenger told a media conference today ahead of Sunday's match with Fulham: ''This was a season which was full of promise and tests for the club. I am confident it will help us to be stronger for next year.

''We moved to a new stadium and had so many injuries in key areas. We have still challenged for a top three place and reached the League Cup Final, but it is not enough.'' Wenger has held a meeting with the Arsenal players and assured them he will not be walking out on the club during the summer and will see out his contract until 2008.

Club captain Thierry Henry has become the latest player to say he will remain at Arsenal as long as Wenger stays.

Henry told Sport magazine: ''I believe in the boss and what he is trying to do here. As long as he is here then I will be here - it's just as simple as that.'' REUTERS DKA PM2335