Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is urging fans not to boycott their clash with Sunderland.

The 67-year-old has still yet to announce whether he will sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium to stay beyond the end of the current campaign.

Wenger, who again dodged the question over his own future, wants to see Arsenal fans back his side.

"My message is always the same, it is to support the team," he said.

Pushed on the recent trend of empty seats, Wenger claimed those matches were sell-outs, as Arsenal judge attendance on tickets sold before the event rather than the number of supporters inside the stadium.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean we are not sold out," he replied when asked about the empty seats.

"I think we are always sold out so I don't know where you get that impression."