Wenger slams big spenders

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit out at Premier League clubs who are spending big money and racking up debts.

Half of clubs in the English top flight are now owned by foreign investors who are dipping into their bank accounts to fund new transfers.

Birmingham have recently been taken over by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung, Portsmouth have severe financial problems under Ali Al-Faraj, while Manchester City under the Abu Dhabi Group are expected to splash the cash once more in the January transfer window.

Wenger, who is regarded as a manager who favours scouting young talent rather than buying already established players, has slammed big-spending clubs as half-cheating'.

"Professional football is about winning and balancing the budget," he said in the Daily Express.

"That's the basic rule, one I fought for. All the rest is half-cheating.

"For every club it has to be the same. I always pleaded for financial fair play.

"The clubs belong to the fans. That's all I feel my responsibility is, to keep the club in good financial condition."

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