• Premier League

Undeterred Wenger deflects Campbell criticism

ESPN staff
April 13, 2012
Arsene Wenger remains confident in Arsenal's transfer policy © Getty Images
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has brushed off recent criticism from Sol Campbell, telling the former defender "give your own money and we will spend it".

Campbell expressed his belief earlier in the week that Arsenal need to spend money on players in the summer to strengthen the squad and persuade Robin van Persie not to leave - suggesting the club will show a "lack of ambition" if they do otherwise.

Wenger, however, brushed off his former player's comments - joking that if the ex-England international wanted to give the club some of his personal wealth, then he would be happy to invest it in new players.

"The best way always to give advice is to show by example. Give your own money and we will spend it," Wenger said.

When asked about the club's transfer policy, he added: "That has not changed at all. Our policy is to spend the money we have available, if possible, in an intelligent way and a wise way."

Campbell famously cost Arsenal nothing when he left Tottenham for Highbury in controversial circumstances in 2001, and Wenger could not resist pointing out that not all great players cost exorbitant fees.

"We've always spent money because we are very ambitious for top class players and if you look at our history over the years we have always had top class players - and Sol Campbell is one of them," he noted.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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