Arsene Wenger Accuses Real Madrid of an 'Addiction to Headlines'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit out at Real Madrid's Galactico policy, citing their lack of long-term vision as a detriment to the La Liga club.

The Frenchman told L’Equipe Sport and Style (h/t Luke Gardener of the Daily Star) Los Blancos have an "addiction to headlines," in preference to building solid foundations, as he has done at the Emirates:

"

[Real Madrid] have entered the modern path. They need new faces. [They have an] addiction to headlines.

For me, consistency in the results depends on the cohesion within the club.

Throwing everything out, all the time only makes sense if you have hyper unlimited revenue. Then you can win. If not you’re done.

My great pride will be, the day I leave, that I’m leaving a good squad, a healthy situation and a club capable of performing in the future.

I could have thought: I’m here for four or five years, we win everything, I leave and leave the club on the verge of bankruptcy.

"

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Madrid failed to win silverware last term, but the capture of Gareth Bale triggered their 10th Champions League success in 2013-14. 

Bale arrived from Tottenham Hotspur for a world record fee of £85.3 million, as confirmed by BBC Sport. He made an immediate impact as Real went on to European success.

However, the Spanish club have seen fortunes ebb and flow during president Florentino Perez's tenures, and a multitude of top coaches have passed through the doors at the Bernabeu. 

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti was the last man to be given his marching orders by Perez after failing to win La Liga by only two points after accumulating a huge total of 92 points for the season.

However, Wenger's words can be questioned as his team have failed to contest the biggest prizes in the sport for a decade, despite huge signings in recent years.

In an ironic twist, Wenger purchased Mesut Ozil from Madrid in a £42.4 million deal, stealing away a Galactico for a huge sum of money. 

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As Wenger highlighted, sustainability is the key, and as long as Madrid can continue to fund their obsession with superstar players, they will continue to flex their muscle in the transfer market.

There is a balance that must be achieved between squad development and brand enhancement, as Perez is often motivated by the latter when it comes to signing individuals.