Wenger signed a new two-year deal with the Gunners this summer after winning the FA Cup last season.
But he’s got off to a horror start with the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday his second loss in three Premier League games.
It’s led to calls from fans for Wenger to walk away and quit the job.
Appearing on 5 Live, New York Times journalist Smith said: “I feel sorry for him because I think Wenger feels frightened to walk away.
“I think he’s frightened of what life without football is like.
“Speak to people who know Wenger, he can’t function without football. This is the core of his life.
“He won’t quit for fear of what happens without Arsenal.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright, appearing alongside Smith on the show, agreed.
He said: “He’s literally a hermit to the game. He goes home, he’s on his phone, it’s all football.
“More importantly, it’s all Arsenal. It’s almost like Arsenal is his comfort blanket.
“Without Arsenal you wonder what would happen to him.”