Wenger defends transfer policy

File picture: Arsene Wenger defended his transfer policy " despite Arsenal's failure to buy a senior outfield player during the summer window. EPA/WALLACE WOON

File picture: Arsene Wenger defended his transfer policy " despite Arsenal's failure to buy a senior outfield player during the summer window. EPA/WALLACE WOON

Published Sep 3, 2015

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Arsene Wenger defended his transfer policy last night — despite Arsenal’s failure to buy a senior outfield player during the summer window.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech was his only capture in the window, signing in an £11million deal from Chelsea.

In fact Wenger’s Arsenal were the only club in Europe’s top five leagues (Premier, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1) not to buy an outfield player.

Even Spanish champions Barcelona, who are currently under a transfer ban, managed to sign two big-name players.

Turkish midfielder Arda Turan arrived from Atletico Madrid for £25m and defender Aleix Vidal came from Sevilla for £12.5m even though Barca cannot play them until 2016.

The Gunners’ lack of activity in the summer window has prompted the Arsenal Supporters Trust to call for an enquiry into the club’s transfer policy.

But a defiant Wenger said: ‘Am I happy with the investment I make? Yes, every time.

‘I bought Alexis Sanchez, I bought Mesut Ozil, I bought Cech, I bought Gabriel last year.

‘The problem at the moment is finding the players who guarantee you are a better team after, and that example last night shows you very well.’

Wenger was referring to the £36m Manchester United spent to sign France youngster Anthony Martial on Tuesday night.

Martial, 19, became the most expensive teenager in history when he signed for Louis van Gaal’s side from Monaco.

The deal could rise to £58m, and Wenger said: ‘Martial scored 11 goals in the French championship — that sums it up well.

‘Martial is a huge talent — he is 19 years old — but the investment is absolutely huge as well.’

Martial has made just 29 senior starts in spells at Lyon and Monaco. He only earned his first call-up to the French national team last month.

Wenger added: ‘It just shows that there are not many players in the world who can strengthen these teams.’ – Daily Mail

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