• Premier League

Arsene Wenger rules out summer spending spree

Arsene Wenger has ruled out the prospect of big spending in the summer © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Wenger 'optimistic' over Nasri deal
  
• News: Chelsea better than Arsenal - Fergie
  
• News: Redknapp to spend either way
  
• News: Cech: Arsenal wasted their chance
  
• News: Don Balon hits back at Wenger over Fabregas interview
  
• Preview: Three points that could change a season
  
• News: United's 'lack of form' gives Szczesny belief
  

Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal supporters not to expect dramatic changes to the playing staff this summer at Emirates Stadium.

Unless both Manchester United and Chelsea slip up in the final five games of the season, Arsenal appear destined for a sixth season without a trophy having suffered a loss of form in all competitions in recent months.

Though they are currently on a 16-game unbeaten run in the league, a run of draws has damaged the club's aspirations and it has been reported in recent weeks that big changes could be planned.

Players such as Gael Clichy, Andrei Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner are all rumoured to be at risk but with some sections of the support demanding investment in the squad, Wenger has said he is not planning an overhaul of his team.

When asked if he expected significant changes to his squad over the summer, Wenger replied: "Not at all. Our team is 23 years old [on average], why should we have a huge turnover at the end of the season?"

One report on Friday suggested Arsenal could have as much as £40 million to spend in the summer and Wenger says money is available to make a big signing should he feel it is necessary.

"Is [that] available? Frankly I don't know," he said. "We have not completely checked out our financial position. The only thing I can say is that the club is in a healthy financial situation and, if needed, we can make a big transfer."

Despite Arsenal's current struggle to secure three points in the Premier League - a 3-3 draw at Tottenham followed a 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool, both of which saw Arsenal in strong positions to win the game - Wenger is still adamant he can win the title.

The Gunners boss says if Arsenal can win all of their remaining games - including a home tie against Manchester United on May 1 - they will finish the season top of the table.

"We have to add the winning mentality to the drawing mentality," he said. "We have a good basis because we are consistent. We have played 16 games without losing, what I feel is most important for us is to keep the belief and to win. I'm convinced if we win our last five games we will win the championship."

However, Arsenal may have to do without Abou Diaby for the United tie as he has suffered an ankle injury. The midfielder will definitely miss the weekend's game against Bolton.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.