Wenger: We're working hard to sign players

Posted Saturday, July 09, 2011 by The Sun

ARSENE WENGER last night broke his silence to appease worried fans over Arsenal's summer of discontent.

Speaking for the first time following weeks of uncertainty, the French boss insisted the Gunners are working day and night and WILL spend money in order to end six years without silverware.

Supporters are hoping the £10.8million signing of Gervinho from Lille will kick-start the promised spree that has so far failed to materialise in the first transfer window since new majority shareholder Stan Kroenke took over the club.

The American is under intense scrutiny from fans desperate to see big-name arrivals in return for some of the most expensive tickets in British football.

Wenger said: "We are working very hard on it. For me, the best thing is not to talk too much about it. The more you speak about things, the less chance you have to achieve them.

"The only thing that I can promise you is we work very hard and we have long nights to achieve what we want to achieve."

Fans demanded signings at the end of last season following a disastrous run of three wins in their last 15 games which saw Arsenal tumble to fourth spot.

The Gunners also lost the Carling Cup final to Birmingham - who were later relegated.

Cries of "six per cent, you're having a laugh" over the 6.5 per cent hike in season tickets and "spend some f***ing money" were aimed at Wenger and the board.

The manager added: "I can understand the impatience among the fans. Believe me, I know all the clubs in the world and everybody needs the same players for the same positions.

"If there were an obvious choice, people would have already made their decisions.

"We are at the top level and therefore need exceptional quality to strengthen our side.

"I can understand that people say, 'You have money, just go out and buy'. But it's not only that. Yes, we have the money we need but we want to find the quality we need."

This summer disgruntled season ticket holders have despaired at the saga surrounding Cesc Fabregas' move to Barcelona.
French winger Samir Nasri also looks increasingly likely to follow the skipper out of the Emirates.

Gael Clichy has already left for Manchester City and Gooners watched in frustration as champions United snapped up David De Gea, Ashley Young and Phil Jones for more than £55m.

Arsenal have currently spent just ONE million, on Charlton's Carl Jenkinson - though, in fairness, they have snapped up striker Gervinho, bar the official announcement.

The Londoners, though, missed out on another of their targets, attacking midfielder Ricky Alvarez, who joined Inter Milan in a £10.8m move from Argentine side Velez Sarsfield.

Quality will not come cheap. Arsenal have been in talks with Bolton over £17m-rated centre-half Gary Cahill and Valencia's Spain striker Juan Mata, who would cost around £20m.

There has also been interest in £9m-rated Inter keeper Emiliano Viviano and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema - but the France striker would cost upwards of £30m and is unlikely to leave the Bernabeu.

Wenger added: "I've said many times we were very close, despite the disappointment we had at the end of the season, we were very close again to winning things.

"I hope that provokes a response from my players, to think we were so close. We want to come back and achieve it.

"My responsibility is first of all not to lose players and then to add and make us stronger. Let's hope we can bring in one or two more additions of top quality."