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'Irreplaceable Wenger's happy to spend big'

Arsenal are expecting Arsene Wenger to bring the club more silverware © Getty Images

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Arsenal chief-executive Ivan Gazidis has assured the club's supporters that Arsene Wenger is 'not afraid to spend', as the FA Cup winners look to bolster their squad this summer.

Talks are already underway for potential summer signings and Gazidis has backed the club's manager - who he described as "impossible to replace" - to target the right players.

"Transfers are obviously important and we are deep in conversations already. I am confident we will add what we need this summer," Gazidis said in an Arsenal supporters' question and answer session. "The manager is not scared to spend, has the experience, but as always will have to juggle a set budget.

"We are all really pleased with securing Champions League qualification again. Last season was a great experience for players to win the FA Cup and now we want more."

Wenger has been criticised by fans for his tendency to invest in younger, less proven players when the team has appeared in need of a star signing who could make an immediate impact.

However, there was a departure last summer when Arsenal paid a club record £42.5 million to sign Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.

The transfer of the German has not been a complete success and Gazidis would not be drawn on why the club appear to have decided against re-signing former midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who they have first option on if he leaves Barcelona and has been linked with a move to Chelsea.

But he hailed Wenger's impact at the club on and off the pitch during his historic reign after the Frenchman reaffirmed his commitment to the club by signing a new three-year contract last month.

"Arsene is impossible to replace. He has given us the footballing philosophy we have now," Gazidis said. "Arsene's legacy is based on him wanting to take Arsenal to the next level, and everything he did and still does is for the future of the club."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd