Arsenal minority shareholder Alisher Usmanov says Arsenal "must retain" Arsene Wenger.

The manager has been under pressure after a faltering Premier League title challenge as he approaches 20 years in charge, but Russian billionaire Usmanov who owns an estimated 30% stake of the club thinks Wenger needs to be part of the future.

"Arsenal’s results are stable. They are always among the leaders of the English Premier League. This is a good and large sports business project, and I am pleased with it," Usmanov said in an interview with Russian TV channel Russia-24.

"The only thing is that today such situation occurred, like in any sport, there are ups and downs. The club must retain its major symbol and main asset - manager Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal are third in the Premier League this season and have already been eliminated from the cup competitions.