adminLONDON ― Arsenal’s progress in the transfer market is moving “slowly but surely” according to manager Arsene Wenger, who assured supporters that he is ready to “spend the money” necessary to land top players before the end of the month. The Gunners have missed out on Gonzalo Higuain and are being frustrated in their attempts to land Liverpool’s Luis Suarez.
Higuain opted to leave Real Madrid for Napoli after lengthy discussions over a switch to north London, while Yaya Sanogo ― a free transfer from Auxerre ― is the only new signing through the Emirates’ doors.
Wenger, however, remains convinced that the club can attract quality players to the club, even though it has been harder than he initially expected.
“We try and get what we want; if that doesn’t work we will look somewhere else,” he said in an interview with Al Jazeera Sport. “The clubs with talented players don’t want to lose them.
“Some clubs acted very early so the choices were reduced and there is more competition coming from France with Paris St Germain, who buy big players for huge amounts of money, so it’s tough, difficult and slow.
‘I can assure the fans we will try very hard to keep them happy. We are certainly ready to spend the money, but the process is going slowly, but surely.’
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis has talked up the ‘financial power’ of Arsenal this summer and they have been vocal in their pursuit of Suarez.
A bid of £40,000,001 was thought to trigger a clause in the Uruguayan’s contract, but that was something stringently rebuffed by the Merseyside club, who rejected the offer out of hand.
The saga looks set to continue, and Wenger has admitted to being on “standby” fo Any players Wenger wants to play in the Champions League play-off later this month will have to be registered with UEFA by August 12 and he wants to move swiftly.
They could be close to capturing another striker though.
The agent of Ciprian Marica has claimed that the former Schalke striker ― released at the end of last season ― is close to joining.
The 27-year-old Romanian international scored five goals for the German club in 34 Bundesliga games.
Arsenal have also handed trials to midfielders Sebastian Perez, 20, of Atletico Nacional and Alharbi El Jadeyaoui, 26, of Angers. ― Mailonline
Online Reporter