Wenger: Cesc holds key

The Gunners host AC Milan in the Emirates Cup on Sunday (AEST) and then take on Scottish giant Celtic on Monday, which will give Wenger an indication of just how much work there is left for his young side still to do ahead of the start of the new Barclays Premier League campaign at Anfield on August 15.

Neither Spain midfielder Fabregas nor Holland striker Robin van Persie are set to return until Arsenal's official photocall on August 5, as they were given extra time off following the World Cup final.

Before he departed to South Africa, Fabregas is understood to have told Wenger of his desire to leave and rejoin boyhood club Barcelona.

The Catalan club continued a very public pursuit of their former trainee all summer, but Arsenal remain steadfast the midfielder - under contract for another five seasons - is not for sale and already rejected a £30 million ($52 million) offer.

Wenger remains confident his talisman will be fully focussed on playing his part for Arsenal next season, when the Gunners aim to land a first title since the invincible campaign of 2003-2004.

"We have to remind ourselves that we decided to go with a very young team three or four years ago and we have developed this team," said the Gunners boss.

"I believe that two years ago we were quite far, but last year in April we were two points away from the top.

"Normally we should be closer again because that development is part of a young team.

"I know that in England when you do not win the championship it's always about buying, but what is important is that we improve individually and as a team because we are a very young team.

"We are not a team that is at the end of a cycle, we are at the start of a cycle.

"So our future will be decided not by who we buy or need, but as well by how much we improve."

Wenger has challenged Fabregas to help drive the young Gunners to glory this season.

"The best way to show you are committed is that you give your best when you walk on the football pitch and he has always done that," said Wenger.

"When you sign a contract it means we are committed to a player to pay him and keep him no matter what happens.

"There is a great attitude and spirit inside the squad and Cesc Fabregas can help us achieve these targets.

"He is now at an age, 23 years old, and he has just won the World Cup. I believe he will grow in authority again for next season.

"The biggest achievement for him now is to help us win the championship."

Wenger last won a trophy in 2005, with victory in the FA Cup final.

The 60-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season.

On his future, Wenger said: "I have always shown how much I like this club and how much I want to do well for it, but it will depend on the club as well as me."