The Gunners are facing up to a second successive season without silverware as the club continues to go through a transition phase on the pitch following their move to the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger, though, firmly believes the Gunners, who play at Everton on Sunday, are moving in the right direction.

He said: "You have always to take it as a challenge, to show that we are stronger and are inspired by what we can achieve together and with the type of football we want to play.

"There is something bigger inside the club than just the trophies you go for.

"We know that and want to show we are guided by something bigger than that."

Wenger added: "It is about the development of the team, the future of the club and the football we want to play - trophies are a consequence of that.

"You cannot say because you do not win a trophy that you stop. Look what happened before in the history of Arsenal - they have been 25 years without winning a trophy.

"I am as frustrated as the fans are, but I feel as well that it is not the only target and only aim of a football club.

"If you do not win a trophy, you do not stop - you try to continue to play and be as good as you can.

"That is bigger than just punctual trophies, of course, though, they are important because they are a consequence of all your work."

There have been calls for the Arsenal manager to make a major signing - particularly in attack - during the summer to signal his intent for next season.

Wenger, though, maintains he will only move for players of "super, super class" - and only if the right man is available at the right price.

"I am in a situation where I have a team who is coming up and I know I am under pressure to put big names in front of these players who could be sensational next year," said the Arsenal manager.

"I have to be strong enough not to do that."

Wenger added: "There is a lot of strength within the squad and they can compete at the top level.

"In the midfield we have Hleb, Rosicky, Diaby, Song, Fabregas, Denilson, Gilberto - what can you add?

"Up front you have Walcott, Henry, van Persie, Adebayor, Bendtner who is coming back from Birmingham, Aliadiere too - where do you put all these players?"

Despite the on-going commitment to their new 60,000-seater stadium at Ashburton Grove, Wenger does have funds available - but maintains the club will not be held to ransom.

He said: "I want to be successful respecting completely the resources.

"We know at the start of the season we have to pay so much money out for the stadium before we kick a ball.

"But we still can compete at the top level, respecting that.

"It (transfer money) is there if needed, and I want to be in a position where if tomorrow I find a super, super player who wants to join us, then I am able to say 'Yes I take him'."

Wenger added: "When you are a manager of a club, you have to imagine all the scenarios.

"No matter what happens to this club, it is in a secure position for the future.

"If you were to sell one big player, it does not mean you have to diminish your position."