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Calm Wenger won't be forced to spend

Arsene Wenger © Getty Images

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Arsene Wenger insists he will not be affected by the negative reaction from Arsenal fans at Aston Villa on Saturday, and he does not anticipate a big spend in the January transfer window.

Travelling Arsenal fans chanted 'you don't know what you're doing' in Wenger's direction as his side played out a 0-0 draw at Villa Park, but the French boss is not allowing the criticism from his own supporters to affect his mindset ahead of Wednesday night's game against Everton at Goodison Park.

"My job is to give full commitment to this club with integrity and that is what I always do, without expecting any return," Wenger said. "I just make sure I do my job properly. What is for sure is people have more opinions and have more potential to express those opinions in different kinds of media."

Wenger refused to be drawn further on the criticism of Arsenal supporters, yet disgruntled fans who are hoping the club's new £150m sponsorship deal with Emirates Airlines will spark a transfer flurry in January may be disappointed, as the Arsenal boss suggested prudence will continue in his transfer dealings despite the financial windfall.

"I don't know how active we will be in January," Wenger said. "We have a good squad and these players have a fantastic attitude, they deserve success and we will have success. We will be in the market and if we can find a real top, top player, we will do it. There is no fixed number [of players to sign]. We just look at quality.

"If we get that amount of money from a sponsor, it is because they feel we do things in the right way and with the right values and they reward that. After that, it is up to us to spend the money in the right way.

"There are two aspects in any transfer. One is the transfer fee, one is the wages. What has gone through the roof for these top players is the wages. That is why people plead for financial fair play and wish that the money from the new TV money is not dedicated to increasing wages, as that could give trouble to everyone."

Meanwhile, Wenger paid a glowing tribute to Everton manager David Moyes ahead of his side's trip to Goodison Park, claiming the Merseyside club will be one of Arsenal's chief rivals for a top four finish after their impressive start to the season.

"What Moyes has done has been remarkable through the years and he deserves credit for that. There are many different ways to be successful in football and, of course, for Everton it would be impossible to fight with the top, top team.

"The team work and quality of work at the club takes you to a certain level. At the top, top level, it becomes an individual sport. When Real Madrid plays Barcelona, it becomes Ronaldo v Messi. To get to that level, you need the top, top money that Everton will never get.

"This will be a vital game, as they fight at the top of the league and are one of the contenders for a Champions League spot. To get through a game like this with a positive result is very important. Everton give everybody a game. No-one goes to Everton and thinks it will be a walk over, but it's just down to us to put in a good performance.

"We have a good record at Everton, but I would like to remind you that we never lose often in any year in the 16 years I have been here. That is down to our consistency. Everton is always a tough and committed team, so this will be a physical game."

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