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Wenger: Arsenal outpriced for Hazard

Eden Hazard has made an instant impact at Chelsea © Getty Images

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Arsene Wenger insists he is not afraid to splash the cash despite admitting he was priced out of the market for Eden Hazard.

Despite the Gunners posting pre-tax profits of £36.3 million on Thursday, Wenger conceded the club would continue to be outpriced on the in-demand players.

Wenger had been chasing the Belgium international, but was ultimately unable to compete with Chelsea, who won the race to bring the £32 million player to Stamford Bridge.

"The transfer price was fixed, because he had a clause, so everybody was at the same level," Wenger said ahead of Arsenal's clash against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.

"He has been voted best player of the French league two consecutive years. You need some quality to do that at his age. I'm not surprised at all that he goes to Chelsea, and straight away is one of their stars because everybody knew about him.

"Let's not forget that all the big budgets in England were after him. We are not scared to spend the money, but we feel that even if we spend our money, with some clubs we can't compete on certain players."

Wenger says the financial situation at the Emirates Stadium is "very pleasing", but insists he will not stray from his stringent transfer policy.

"Our numbers are good," Wenger said. "Under the actual circumstances this is quite positive because the whole (global) environment is not positive.

"We are very lucky because we have a good support and the income of our gates is very high. We have to maintain that by keeping our fans happy and to continue to manage well in the way that we do it."

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