Wenger ready to buy 'quality' players

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger calls for unity if they are to win trophies. (FILE)

Published Wednesday, August 17, 2011

By Staff/Agencies

Under fire Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed he would be willing to spend £40 million - if he could find the “right players”.

The wily Frenchman is seen by some as being too cautious in the transfer market as the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United splash the cash.

But Wenger has defended his dealings, claiming he would be happy to spend big money if he could get the men he wants.

He told Sky Sports News: “I will pay 30 (million) I will even pay 40 if I find the right players.

“But it’s not a question of money, it’s a question of quality we find. I think I have a wrong reputation of not wanting to spend money - I do not want to spend money for average players.”

He added the club have got plenty of scouts all over the world, saying: “And we are not frightened to spend money when we think it’s right.

“Our fans have more reasons to be proud of this club - the values here, the way the club is run, what the club is built (upon) - than being angry with the club.

“Of course we want to deliver trophies, of course we want to win trophies, who wouldn’t want (that)?

“But we feel we were very close last year and my regret of course is that we didn’t do it but we are battling on all fronts and a bit unlucky on all fronts I think.”

Wenger recognises that the club needs unity to be in with a chance of winning any silverware after having lost the battle to retain Cesc Fabregas.

“When something bad happens to you there is only one way to respond as a club - with unity,” he said.

“Football is difficult enough if you are united. If you are not united, you have no chance.”

Faces UEFA investigation

Arsene Wenger faces the possibility of further disciplinary action from UEFA for breaching the terms of his touchline ban on Tuesday.

The Arsenal manager was confined to the stands and banned from communicating with the dugout during their Champions League qualifying round victory against Udinese. UEFA had sanctioned him for "improper conduct" after making critical comments about the referee after being eliminated by Barcelona last season.

Arsenal believed that Wenger could pass on instructions to assistant Pat Rice through coach Boro Primorac, who sat alongside the manager in the stands.

UEFA warned Wenger at halftime that such contact was not allowed, although Primorac appeared to continue making phone calls during the second half. Arsenal won 1-0.

Song banned for Barton stamp

Arsenal midfielder Alex Song was hit with a three-match ban on Wednesday after admitting a charge of violent conduct following the Gunners' stormy clash with Newcastle last weekend.

Song, 23, landed in hot water after video footage appeared to show him stamping on Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton.

Barton was later at the centre of an incident which led to the dismissal of Arsenal striker Gervinho, who has also been banned for three games for violent conduct.

Both Arsenal and Newcastle have been charged with failing to control their players following the ugly melee which culminated with Gervinho's dismissal.

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