Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended his transfer inactivity in the summer claiming that he has been shocked by Manchester United’s decision to pay upto €80m (£58m) to Monaco for young striker Anthony Martial. United secured the services of the uncapped 19-year-old Frenchman on deadline day by paying an initial £36m but including the add-ons, the fee could go up to £58m (€80m).
Wenger has received much criticism for being inactive in the summer and the lack of deals have frustrated Arsenal fans throughout who were anticipating new faces who could massive improve their squad in a bid for a realistic Premier League title challenge this season.
The Gunners only secured the services of Petr Cech from Chelsea for a £11m deal earlier in the summer. The London side were the only club in Europe’s top five leagues not to sign an outfield player in the transfer window.
Wenger however believes that Martial’s massive move sums up the transfer market at the moment. As quoted by the Independent, the Arsenal boss says, “What happened last night with Monaco, who sold Martial to Manchester United for €80m (£58m), I’ve heard”
“Martial scored 11 goals in the French championship – that sums it up well. That means it’s not the money that’s missing at the moment, it’s not the desire of investment that is missing, it’s the number of players available who can strengthen the big clubs.”
Wenger also states that he is happy with his recruitment over the past couple of years bringing in Alexis Sanchez, Gabriel Paulista and Mesut Ozil, all of the three who form an integral part of the Gunners squad.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry had earlier defended Wenger’s lack of activity in the summer claiming that the London side have the squad capable of winning the Premier League title.
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