• Premier League

Gazidis: Wenger not afraid to spend big

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has insisted Arsene Wenger will spend money, but only on top-class talent.

The Gunners endured another campaign of toil, which extended their trophyless run to eight seasons, and Wenger came under fire for failing to bring in the talent needed to challenge at the top of the Premier League tree.

Arsenal fans have seen the likes of Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Gael Clichy, to name only three, depart and have been frustrated by the players brought in to the Emirates.

In the early weeks of the summer, the Gunners have been linked with a host of big names including Wayne Rooney, Gonzalo Higuain and a possible return of Fabregas. Arsenal fans have seen this in previous years and at a meeting of the club's supporters group and shareholders, Gazidis was probed on their summer transfer plans.

In response to questions, Gazidis said: "Arsene is not scared to spend money but he has to believe they are top-class players who will add to the squad.

"Can I guarantee he will spend all of the money available to him? That depends on the talent.

"Arsene has done an outstanding job to make sure Arsenal stay in the mix with the top teams - not where we want to be, but in the mix - on a relatively limited budget."

Arsenal secured a place in the top four on the final day of last season and Gazidis has made it clear that is not good enough.

He added: "We have been consistent, in that we haven't slid backwards or gone forwards. Now we need to go forwards.

"It is not enough to watch a video of a last-minute scramble to get over the line and into fourth place."

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