Arsene Wenger says Arsenal need to spend their TV revenue on new players.

European clubs should be worried by Chinese football's display of economic might in the January transfer window, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said yesterday.

Asked at a news conference ahead of tomorrow's trip to Bournemouth if Premier League clubs should be concerned by China's willingness to compete for top players, Wenger was emphatic.

"Yes, of course," he said. "Because China looks to have the financial power to move the whole league of Europe to China. And we... know that is just a consequence of economical power and they have that."

Wenger questioned whether China would sustain high levels of investment in football and predicted even bigger transfers next season.

"I don't know how deep the desire in China is, but if it's a very strong political desire, we should worry," he said. "In the summer, we will see transfer prices move up again. I am sure that soon the 100 million target will be easy to reach."

The manager also said that despite a bumper television deal providing major funds next season, clubs would find it difficult to lower ticket prices, a longstanding demand from fans.

"What will happen is that the prices of players will go up and (clubs) will need the supplement of money coming in to buy new players," Wenger added.

"So I believe that the pressure on spending the money will become bigger and you cannot necessarily distribute the money to all the people."

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)