Wenger not scared to spend

Arsene Wenger has indicated Arsenal have money to spend in the January transfer window if the need for signings should arise.

Wenger has previously been criticised for a reluctance to spend big in the transfer market, opting to sign younger players, in contrast to English Premier League rivals such as Manchester City and Chelsea.

The 62-year-old has always maintained that there is money to spend at the Emirates, and – with forwards Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho set to depart for the African Cup of Nations – has hinted he may invest when the window opens on January 1.

Speaking on the club’s official website, Wenger said: “We lose players like Chamakh and Gervinho to the African Cup of Nations, so hopefully touch wood we do not get any injuries to our strikers.”

“But if an opportunity turns up in that department then we will buy.”

“The situation, I must say, is a bit special. Economically the whole environment has changed and people suffer more. The clubs will suffer more financially and it’s much more difficult.”

“Maybe we will have some opportunities because we are in a good financial situation.”

The Frenchman may also look to defensive reinforcements, with Andre Santos, Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs all sidelined with injury.