After Arsenal's humiliating 5-1
defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, there have been fresh
questions about manager Arsene Wenger's future.
But with a new contract offer remaining on the table, what is the situation around their manager of almost 21 years? BBC sports news reporter David Ornstein addresses some of the biggest questions facing the club.
Arsenal, a post Christmas wobble and a probable Champions League last-16 exit. We've been here before. Is it any different this time?
For Arsenal, 2016-17 is turning into a carbon copy of the past six seasons - and even resembles the four before that.
The difference now is that it could genuinely spell the end for Arsene Wenger. Wednesday's defeat has badly stung the 67-year-old Frenchman and senior figures at the club, while the anger, pain and disillusionment among supporters is stronger than ever.
Though the Gunners are not yet out of Europe, remain in the FA Cup and are fourth in the Premier League, it seems a growing majority of the fanbase believes Wenger should leave when his contract expires in the summer.
Neither the Arsenal board nor Wenger have ever been swayed by such opinion, but for the first time in his tenure I think there will be serious doubt on both sides about whether he should continue.
Should we read anything into so many former players, previously so loyal, saying they feel Wenger is coming to the end?
Given how well the likes of Ian Wright, Martin Keown and Lee Dixon know Wenger, their views should not be discarded. These are prominent and respected past squad members who, over the years, have tended to support the Frenchman and do still see him behind closed doors.
But, equally, views are not facts and these ex-players do not actually know what is going to happen.
Wenger has a very small circle of people he trusts and it is understood even they are in the dark over his intentions because, put simply, he is yet to make a decision.
- 'Outclassed', 'lowest point', 'embarrassing' - is Wenger's time up?
- Wenger denies he plans to leave in May
The message from Arsenal is 'business as usual' before Monday's FA Cup trip to Sutton United, which suddenly carries even greater importance.
However, there can be no hiding from the from the sense of deja vu, and those I spoke to on Thursday sounded both depressed by what they had witnessed in Munich and sick of the negativity engulfing the club again.
I hear of confusion among players and staff as to what is going on - there is no clear plan on or off the pitch - and certain individuals have sought information on Wenger's future to no avail.
Some around the club think he will stay; others are adamant he is finished. Meanwhile, reports of angry post-match scenes in the dressing room will only add to what has become a tense and unhealthy environment.
With Wenger having a contract extension offer on the table, to what extent does he remain the master of his own future? Who else is key and what will be the key factors in any decision?
As the most successful and longest-serving manager in Arsenal history, Wenger will have the biggest say. However, it will not be the only say.
He and the board have enough respect for one other to hold mature discussions over whether signing a new contract is in the best interests of the club. In that sense, it will be a mutual decision.
The board comprises chairman Sir Chips Keswick, chief executive Ivan Gazidis and directors Ken Friar, Lord Harris of Peckham, Stan Kroenke and his son, Josh.
All will have a stance, the most important being that of owner Kroenke Sr. He is said to be in favour of Wenger staying on, so if the manager is to leave it will likely have to be his own call.
Wenger assesses his position at the end of each campaign, so the next three months will be pivotal. Other possible considerations include his desire, Arsenal's realistic prospects, the atmosphere inside and outside the club, and the state of any succession plans.
Ozil is already on record as saying Wenger is key to his future at the
club.
How important is Wenger to keeping some of the other star players
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