Wenger calm on free-spending rivals

Arsene Wenger insists he is unconcerned that his likely title rivals for the coming season look ready to spend huge amounts again this summer.

Arsenal finished within four points of Chelsea and Manchester United last season but while it has been another frugal summer in North London - with the sales of Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva financing moves for Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey - both Sir Alex Ferguson and Luiz Felipe Scolari are plotting multi-million pound signings.

It is now no secret that United are looking to sign Dimitar Berbatov in a deal that could reportedly reach £28 million, while Chelsea have utilised Roman Abramovich's riches to sign Jose Bosingwa and Deco, with Brazil stars Kaka and Robinho also targets that could fetch a world record transfer fee.

It is a familiar situation that Wenger finds himself in, as the move to Emirates Stadium has caused the North London club to be more reserved in the transfer market in recent seasons, and despite suggestions that The Gunners are in danger of slipping away from both Chelsea and United, the Frenchman is unconcerned by the current transfer climate.

"No it doesn't bother me too much," said Wenger.

"I know at the start of the transfer market Chelsea can buy who they want, and I cannot stop that."

Arsenal could be forced into the market for a striker if Emmanuel Adebayor joins Barcelona though, as the Togo international has seen his future at Emirates Stadium plunged into doubt by a contractual dispute.

Adebayor has failed to endear himself to Gunners fans by asking for a similar wage to former captain and all-time record goalscorer Thierry Henry after his success in scoring 30 goals for the club last season.

Saturday's pre-season friendly against Barnet saw some pointed songs directed at the striker by the travelling support but his manager is refusing to judge Adebayor after reputed quotes from the player and his agent regarding his situation this summer.

Wenger - who claims he has not attached an asking price to last season's top scorer - has urged the former Monaco man to respect the club's wage structure as the uncertainty over his future continues.

"No [we have not put a price on his head], at any price if you come in tomorrow with £400 million then I will think about it! I do not want to go into any speculation, I want to keep Adebayor," Wenger added.

"I don't know what has gone on because a lot has been denied, it is very difficult to know what is true and what is said and not said, he denies 99 percent of it.

"I have never met many people who have said 'I do not have a case for a new contract'! We are always ready and I fight always to get the players the maximum wages but you have to respect the wage structure."