Wenger cautious over big money buys

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he is concerned about spending big money on star signings in case it blocks the development of his young Gunners.

While Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea have once again splashed the cash in the close season transfer market, Wenger has opted to take a more low key approach.

The Frenchman has shunned high-profile transfers despite having a substantial transfer warchest, signing two emerging youngsters in France playmaker Samir Nasri and Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey so far this pre-season.

Wenger has been considering a move for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, who is valued at 18 million pounds (22.6 million euros), but he doesn't want to stop the progress of his own youngsters like Abou Diaby and Denilson.

“Of course I am in a position where I can spend the money,” Wenger told ArsenalTV. “But every time we have done such a great job with the young players that you are concerned 'do we kill a young player or not by bringing another player in?'

“It is a very sensitive subject which is not specially linked with money.

“There is a lot of talk in the press, but we have always managed at this club by balancing the budget.

“We should not be criticised for that and should be respected for that.”

While Wenger is keeping his powder dry in the transfer market, he is bullish about Arsenal's chances of winning silverware for the first time in four seasons.

The Gunners led United by five points before surrendering the lead in the Premier League title race last season and crashed out of the Champions League against Liverpool despite dominating for long periods.

Those near-misses have convinced Wenger that his side are close to the top again and he wants domestic success ahead of Champions League glory.

“It is important you fight for the championship and to win it. All the other trophies are more of a consolation than anything else,” Wenger said.

“We were very close, we were in the race and next year we want to show we can win it.

“I will try to achieve my best to develop the players, to fight in every game. I am more motivated than ever to achieve that.

“The team is performing well, but the target of a top-level sportsman is to always improve and I believe we can be more clinical, we can score more with the chances we create.”