Wenger stands by Gunners transfer policy
Arsène Wenger has hit back at critics of his transfer policy, insisting that the performances of the likes of Rob Holding are proof that you don’t need to spend millions to bring in talent.
The Gunners have picked up one point from two matches in the Premier League so far, but tightened up their defence in a 0-0 draw against champions Leicester City.
Holding was given the nod in the centre of defence alongside the returning Laurent Koscielny, and they were able to keep Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy in check.
Signed from Bolton over the summer, Holding appears to have overtaken Calum Chambers in the pecking order, and Wenger is bullish about Arsenal not needing to bring in more depth at the back during captain Per Mertesacker’s extended absence.
He said: “I believe (Holding) had an outstanding performance for a young boy who has never played in the Premier League and played against top strikers.
“So I can only reiterate that I am happy to speak about him because it’s good for English football that a young boy gets a chance in a big club in England and shows that he will be a quality player.
“Look, we are a whole team working on strengthening the team. I am not the only one and unfortunately nobody speaks about the performance of Rob Holding.
“You should be happy, he’s English, he’s 20 years old, but I am sorry, he did not cost £55m so he cannot be good and that is for me what is most disappointing for me.
“You don’t speak about the performances of the players anymore, you just speak about money. Anything else than football. I believe that it’s not right.”
(Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
While the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City have spent a lot of money this summer, Arsenal’s only major outlay has been for Granit Xhaka, but Wenger believes his team should be judged on the field rather than for how much they spend.
He added: “Why do you say I’m reluctant, I don’t understand that? If I buy you tomorrow for £45m that means I’ve bought you for £45m, have I done well?
“Yes, if I listen to you, I will have done well because I spent the money. That is not a quality, buying a top player, that is different – and we are ready to do that.
“I spend £300m if I find the player and if I have the £300m. Not to forget as well that we are a club who has 600 employees who we need to have a responsible attitude for as well.
“It’s a bit surprising that you come out of football games and you don’t speak about football, you have to speak about money.
“I believe that you have to respect the players who play, the performance that has been done today by those teams and if you find players who can strengthen our team, then we are not reluctant to spend the money.”
