Arsenal Are Ready To Spend

 

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are 'ready to spend' money in the transfer window, as long as it is done in the right way. With captain Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista injured and Laurent Koscielny still regaining fitness following Euro 2016, Wenger was forced to select 20years old Rob Holding alongside 21years old Calum Chambers at the heart of Arsenal's defence.

Wenger refused to provide an update on Arsenal's reported move for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi with sources understanding the player has agreed to join Arsenal, but the clubs have yet to finalise a fee. When asked about the deal, Wenger said: “I believe it is better I don't talk about any individual player. We are ready to spend the money we have. It's not my money. It's important to spend money the right way.”

When Wenger was asked if conceding four goals at home against Liverpool has increased the urgency for Arsenal to sign a centre-half, he said: “It was important before the game. You do not sign players because you think it's very important or not. I think it's very difficult to find players and identify them. That's why everyone is on the market for the same players and the deals.”

Arsenal have reportedly been searching for an experienced centre-half, but have so far been unable to get a deal over the line with Holding - who was signed from Bolton Wanderers for £2m - viewed more as a player for the future.

Wenger's only major purchase of the summer so far is midfielder Granit Xhaka, who arrived for £34m from Borussia Monchengladbach. That is in stark contrast to the rest of the Premier League, with clubs on course to break the summer transfer window spending record of £870m which was set in 2015. An estimated £837.48m has been spent by Premier League teams so far, with just under two weeks remaining until the window closes on August 31.