Wenger Defends Transfer Policy

Arsene Wenger has admitted that his Arsenal squad is looking a little thin as the season wears on, but has defended his transfer policy and youth focus.

The Gunners suffered a 1-1 home draw against Liverpool at the weekend, a result that could well spell the end of their title challenge as they sit six points adrift of leaders Manchester United with five games remaining.

Wenger deployed a weakened side to face the Merseysiders, in an effort to rest key players for the two clubs’ Champions League quarterfinal decider at Anfield, and questions have arisen as to whether the North Londoners have the depth of personnel to truly compete for the major trophies.

It is a well-known fact that Wenger does not splash the cash in the same manner as his rival managers, indeed having profited in recent years from the sales of high-profile players such as Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, Ashley Cole, Patrick Vieira and Jose Antonio Reyes.

In fact, since 2004, Arsenal have spent only ₤52 million – paltry, compared to Manchester United’s ₤124 million, Liverpool’s ₤154 million and Chelsea’s remarkable ₤250 million.

But the Frenchman has defended his transfer policy, insisting factors beyond his control have hindered Arsenal’s season and also pointing at the success of The Gunners’ youth products.

“If we had squads like the other three clubs, we would also have wage bills like them,” he said.

“I know that we have a rich budget and, when the stadium is paid for, we have a big financial potential. But I also feel some young players have made a big progress and will be better players next year.

“I could have spent in the January transfer window but I did not know then that Eduardo, Robin van Persie and Tomas Rosicky would all be out at the same time.

“The turning point was losing Eduardo when we were already without Van Persie and Rosicky. If we’d had everyone available we would still have been top of the table.”

Source:goal.com