• Premier League

Wenger must buy - Capello

ESPN staff
August 21, 2011
Cesc Fabregas has left Arsenal, and is yet to be replaced © Getty Images
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England boss Fabio Capello hopes Arsene Wenger will stay on as Arsenal boss - but concedes Wenger needs to strengthen the Gunners' squad before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Wenger has come under fire this summer for letting experienced players leave - Emmanuel Eboue, Gael Clichy, Denilson and Cesc Fabregas have gone - without bringing in replacements who are used to top-level football.

The pressure on Wenger intensified on Saturday as a depleted Arsenal side were booed off the pitch at the end of a 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool and, after the match, he refused to confirm he would be bringing any new players to the club.

Capello has urged the Frenchman to whip out the chequebook in order to ensure Arsenal push for a Champions League place this season.

"I hope he will stay on, I have a good relationship with him, he's a really good manager, but it's not a good moment, it's difficult after six years without a trophy for such an important club like Arsenal," Capello said on Sky Sports.

"I think he needs to buy some new players, some important players, but it's difficult to find top players at this moment, because the best players are playing with important teams, teams who want to win. I think Arsenal have got money but it's difficult to find top players to improve the team. Because if you spend the money buying normal players, it's not good, you need to spend money to improve the team."

Meanwhile, former Gunners boss George Graham has echoed Capello's sentiments, pleading with Wenger to splash the cash. Graham told BBC Five Live Sportsweek: "Please get the the cheque book out Arsene. I think they need another centre-half, I think they still need a strong, outstanding, experienced midfielder and I still think they need an out-and-out striker like a (Thierry) Henry."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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