Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger Vows to Rival Chelsea and Co. for Transfers
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has announced that the Gunners will use their finances to fight with the Premier League's top clubs.
On the eve of his 1,000th game in charge, Wenger spoke of his belief that the North London side can match their counterparts in the transfer market.
The revelation came during Wenger's pre-Chelsea press conference, as the club tweeted:
Arsenal take on the table-toppers at Stamford Bridge, looking to beat the Blues and close their four-point gap.
The side—which sits level on points with Liverpool—also holds a game in hand over Jose Mourinho's men, as do the Reds.
With the Gunners chasing their first league title in 10 years, a victory against Chelsea would present an excellent chance to clinch this year's trophy.
With the long term in mind, Arsenal fans will be looking to Wenger's words and hope they will see more high-profile signings.
The club splashed £44 million on Mesut Ozil last summer, per TransferMarkt, as it looked to spend more to bring success back to North London.
As discussed by the London Evening Standard's James Olley, Wenger's three-year deal presents a sign of change for the Frenchman as he chases European glory:
"He was shaken by the criticism some Arsenal fans threw at him at the beginning of the season but the three-year contract on the table represents the final stage of his grand plan: the chance to spend big money, complete his squad and win the Champions League he so craves. It would be a huge step to walk away now.
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Wenger joined Arsenal in September 1996 and has since won three league titles, four FA Cup trophies, three League Cups and four Community Shields.
However, the Champions League has eluded the 64-year-old. His side was dumped from the competition by Bayern Munich.
Speaking with Sky Sports, former Arsenal vice chairman David Dein explained Wenger's hunger for silverware:
"It hurts him. He's a football purist and this is his life. He's still got the fire in his belly. I can understand people being anxious about not winning trophies, but nobody more than Arsene himself," Dein said.
With nine games remaining in this year's title race, and Chelsea only having eight matches left, Wenger could yet seal his fourth league title.
But with next season in mind, there could be a flurry of activity on Arsenal's revolving front door, a wave of new faces making their way to North London.
