Wenger won´t rush to splash out after Toure exit

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal can still compete with the Premier League’s big-guns even if he doesn’t bring in expensive replacements for Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor.

Wenger collected 40 million pounds from Manchester City after selling Togo striker Adebayor and then Ivory Coast defender Toure to the Eastlands club over the last two weeks.

Those sales have led some pundits to question whether Arsenal, who are without a trophy since 2005, are still serious contenders for the sport’s top honours.

But Gunners manager Wenger, who has so far signed only Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax, refuses to panic buy just to appease the public.

“I feel we are strong enough but if we can add then we will do it,” Wenger told the club’s official website:

“In England people think that all the problems can be sorted out by buying players.

“I believe the biggest target is to work hard in training, improve what we can improve and have confidence in the players that we have.

“If we need to add then we will. We have money available so for us it is now important to spend it in the right way when we do it or if we do it.”

Reports in England on Thursday claimed Wenger was considering a shock bid to bring France midfielder Patrick Vieira back to Arsenal.

Vieira, who is keen to leave Inter Milan, has already been in discussions with Arsenal’s local rivals Tottenham but the Gunners refused to comment on the latest reports.