• Premier League

Wenger targets two new signings

Arsene Wenger has endured some lean years since Arsenal moved to the Emirates in 2006 © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Wenger: Don't ruin Wilshere with pressure
  
• News: Allardyce dismisses Arsenal links with Diame
  
• News: Diaby optimistic after successful Arsenal return
  
• News: Wenger blasts 'timid' players
  
• News: Injured Arteta out for three weeks
  

Arsene Wenger claims Arsenal are back in the market for big-money signings as he looks to add two players to the squad in January.

The Gunners have steered clear of spending vast fortunes in the transfer market since moving from Highbury to the Emirates in 2006 but, with the financial restrictions put in place to pay for the club's stadium switch starting to ease, Wenger is keen to make the most of his increased spending power.

However, the Frenchman stressed his intention to add quality to a nucleus of players brought through the ranks together - rather than over-the-top spending on established stars.

"My plan is to keep all of the players we have and then to add maybe, if possible, two new players to the squad," Wenger told Al Jazeera Sport. "We will spend big because we had restricted finances because we had built the stadium and had to pay that back."

Arsenal have not won a trophy since 2005 but Wenger believes that this lack of silverware overshadows the club's sustained performance and consistent top-four finishes in the Premier League.

"You look at any club who has done that, and they have gone down," Wenger said. "We stayed at the top level, yes without winning the Premier League, but we were always at the top level.

"Now we have come out in a much stronger position financially again, so we can spend.

"But our way is a bit like Barcelona as well, to produce the core of the team from inside and add from outside the players who give really a plus.

"The biggest challenge so far is to convince people we have a good team, that we have good quality and that we lead the club in the right way, because many people doubt that.

"I am convinced this team has a fantastic mentality, fantastic quality and with the right level of confidence, if we can create the momentum, we can be a positive surprise until the end of the season."

Wenger admits that he does not have forever to turn things around at the club, having gone so long without a trophy.

Asked if his time at the club is gradually coming to an end, Wenger said: "It is, because I am 63 years old and will not work at 100.

"That, though, is not the most important, what is important is that when you are somewhere, you give your best.

"How long will I stay? I have a contract until 2014, and I always respected my contracts.

"It is important that the club goes the right direction - we have a very young team who have fantastic qualities and [it is important] that I help them to get their qualities transformed into positive results.

"Let's not forget that last year we finished third. As long as that is seen as a disaster, it is not too bad for the future of the club."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.