Arsene Wenger Comments on Arsenal Future, Transfer Policy and Critics

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reaffirmed his commitment to the club amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain, as well as opening up on his transfer policy and the criticism he's received during his tenure in north London.

According to the Mirror's Darren Lewis, he said: "If, tomorrow morning, I am told, 'Goodbye and thank you' by Arsenal, I cannot promise you that I will not look to continue to work, to live my passion. But, without a doubt, not in England."

Per Lewis, he added in L’Equipe Sport and Style: "What is for certain is that my attachment to Arsenal will remain until the end of my days. I’ve had moments where I could have broken that [other offers], but I have always refused them. I do not see how, today, I could have a managerial career elsewhere."

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

In October the Frenchman celebrated 19 years as manager of the Gunners, and for all his ups and downs in that time Arsenal fans will undoubtedly welcome the news he wouldn't manage one of their Premier League rivals once his tenure comes to an end.

Wenger has won three league titles and six FA Cups at Arsenal, as well as taking the club to their only Champions League final in 2006.

The boss has proven frugal in the transfer market, though, and with the exception of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez has refused to spend big in stark contrast to Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United—all of whom have been rewarded with league titles since Arsenal's last triumph in 2004.

Indeed, Wenger infamously failed to buy a single outfield player over the summer. However, Wenger has defended his policy. According to Lewis, he said:

"

I’ll give myself merit for one thing: I’ve always treated Arsenal as if it belonged to me. I have sometimes been criticised for it—because I am not enough of a spender, not carefree enough.

I credit myself for having had the courage to apply my ideas and fight for them. Aside from that, I can understand why people might not agree.

My great pride will be to be able to say the day that I leave, that I am leaving behind a good team, a healthy situation and a club capable of performing in the future.

I could have said to myself: 'I am here for four or five years, we win everything', [then] I leave and leave the club on the verge of bankruptcy. For me, consistency at the highest level is the true sign of great clubs.

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The Gunners are currently joint-top of the Premier League alongside big-spending City having lost just twice in the league, though their failure to reinforce their squad is coming back to haunt them with their seemingly annual injury crisis setting in once again.

Arsenal have seven players currently occupying the treatment room, which could have a significant impact on their ability to sustain their title challenge if they are still without those players during the busy Christmas period.

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The Emirates faithful will no doubt be longing for investment come January, though it's unlikely they'll hold out much hope of the club doing significant recruitment.

Arsenal's struggles to make an impact in title races past—as well as their inability to compete on the European stage—have also drawn significant criticism from fans, pundits and journalists alike.

Football writer Dave O'Connell pulled no punches in his damning assessment of Arsenal's performance in the 5-1 humiliation by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, while former star Emmanuel Petit was similarly critical, per BT Sport Football:

Nevertheless, Wenger is determined to stick to his principles. Per Lewis, he told L’Equipe Sport and Style:

"

I have often been treated as naive in such an instance.

In every case, there is only one way in which one can live their life—to conform to the values that you feel are important. If I did not respect them, I would be unhappy.

Whatever the case, I have always been a man who was committed to the cause, with my good and bad sides.

"

Wenger's determination is both admirable and frustrating.

There's a lot to be said for someone so uncompromising and unwavering in their principles, particularly given the financially driven nature of modern football.

The idea of a well-run, stable club earning success without spending irresponsibly or holding a monopoly by cherry-picking their rivals' best players is refreshing.

Equally, though, Wenger's stubborn stance could be holding the club back—a failure to accept the way modern football is and to adapt accordingly.

Each year the club seem perpetually on the verge of success, just two or three key signings away from another league title.

When Wenger arrived in the league the sport was very different, and the Frenchman's revolutionary new ideas and scouting system earned Arsenal plenty of honours. Now, it seems, football may have outgrown him.