• Premier League

Wenger: I'm not afraid to spend big money

Arsene Wenger has kept a close eye on Arsenal's finances during his 18 years in charge © Getty Images

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed he is not afraid to spend big in January, but insisted the right player would have to be available.

Wenger has kept a close eye on expenditure at Arsenal, particularly following the move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, but now finances are in a good place he is prepared to buy - but he will not spend for the sake of it.

Wenger said: "I've said that many times, without any doubt: if we find the right player we will do [a deal].

"There's a huge difference between the perception that people have of me: I'm not scared to spend money.

"It was periods where we had not the money. What I don't like is to spend the money I haven't got. What I fought against is to spend money that would put the future of the club in danger. Now I have money. No problem at all.''

Wenger has faced criticism this season after familiar defensive concerns resurfaced, with many believing he should have strengthened in defence and defensive midfield last summer. The Frenchman maintains Arsenal's back line is improving and knows the importance of a strong rearguard at the business end of the season.

"We are getting better,'' he added. "We have to show that in the final part of the season. Without defensive solidity you have no future.''

Wenger, who has been in charge at Arsenal for 18 years, was abused by a small group of Arsenal supporters following the loss at Stoke.

Asked if that was his lowest point in charge, Wenger said: "The lowest you feel is when you lose games. I felt very low because we lost a game we should not lose and the way we conceded was very disappointing. I can put it in perspective.''

Wenger has been pleased with the response of his Arsenal side since the defeat, beating Galatasaray 4-1 and Newcastle 4-0.

"We got a lot of criticism and I think we responded well, because we scored eight goals in the next two games,'' Wenger added. "It shows two things: first that the group is healthy, because it can respond to disappointment and has good unity.

"The second thing is that we have learned from that; I hope and am confident that we have learned from that.

"Even in the game against Stoke, when you look at the game again, we were poor defensively, but going forward we were not disastrous. We finished with 10 men when we were down 3-2. We could've come back and won it. We had a bad start, but the response was positive.''

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