Leicester vs. Arsenal: Arsene Wenger's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Quotes

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he is not afraid to spend big in the transfer market, and he revealed Leicester City's Jamie Vardy never gave him a reason for turning down a move to the Gunners. 

The north London club have made only one major signing this summer, adding Granit Xhaka for £35 million, and many are predicting that Arsenal could struggle in 2016-17 if they don't add more big names before the transfer window closes, per Stan Collymore in the Mirror.

Wenger has been accused of being too stubborn to spend big on the players he so obviously needs—a new centre-back and new striker—but, speaking ahead of Arsenal's clash with champions Leicester on Saturday, the Gunners boss defended his transfer policy, per Alex Richards in the Mirror:

"

Before you pay over the odds you have to be convinced by the player. Can he strengthen your squad? Then you must have the money available to pay, because we already invested at a very high price. And we will do so again.

We work very hard and I cannot tell you much more. What I fight against is to tell the only way is to buy. It is right when you buy. We are not scared to spend the money. It is about the quality.

I think this club has been built on that. The main thing on building the club is based on the transfer policy. I know everyone questions that because we’ve not done as much as they wish.

"

Wenger and Arsenal did make a genuine attempt to sign Vardy—who netted 24 league goals last term—earlier this summer, triggering his release clause before he opted to remain at the King Power Stadium, per the Guardian's Stuart James.

Per the Evening Standard's James Olley, the Frenchman explained that he never found out why the England international decided against a move to the Emirates Stadium:

Vardy, 29, could be a thorn in Arsenal's side on Saturday, having netted three times in the two meetings between Leicester and the Gunners last season.

Arsenal won both of those matches and will be desperate to pick up three points again against Claudio Ranieri's men after their season-opening 4-3 home defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

Wenger was short on players for the Reds clash, with centre-backs Per Mertesacker and Gabriel out injured and a number of stars yet to return to action following Euro 2016.

With Arsenal looking to avoid back-to-back defeats at the start of the 2016-17 term, Wenger admitted in his pre-match press conference that he could rush back Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil, all of whom were involved in the latter stages of Euro 2016: "Maybe I will take a gamble on bringing them back early, but I have 48 hours to decide."

Aaron Ramsey, who also went deep with Wales at the summer tournament in France, will not be available against the Foxes after picking up a knock against Liverpool.

However, Wenger confirmed neither Ramsey's nor Alex Iwobi's injuries are serious, per PA Sport's Mark Mann-Bryans:

Wenger also discussed the future of midfielder Serge Gnabry, saying he wants the German to sign a new deal after spending last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, per Arsenal:

With Leicester having also lost their opening game of the season, there will be huge pressure on both sides to take victory on Saturday at the King Power Stadium.

Neither club can afford back-to-back defeats that will see them fall off the pace at the top at the start of a season in which both are eager to challenge for the title.