Arsene Wenger believes there will be transfer activity in and out of the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Arsenal manager planning to build on strong base
Arsene Wenger believes there will be transfer activity in and out of the Emirates Stadium this summer as he looks to strengthen his squad, but maintains that Arsenal have a 'strong base' from which to build.
Wenger's transfer policy has been criticised following another trophyless season for the Gunners, with some observers suggesting it is time to spend more heavily in a bid to claim silverware next term.
The French manager, however, is not prepared to totally abandon his principles and insists that he will always strive to sign players that are good value for money.
He does not think there is any need to radically overhaul his squad, stressing that the future can still be bright for the club despite their recent difficulties.
"We do not play for relegation. We have a good team, the best away team. We are top of the 'top four' league," Wenger said.
"The loss of the Carling Cup had a huge impact on the team and we did not handle it well.
"We have enough quality to beat anyone in the world, even with the current squad.
"You have a Champions League final and only one team has beaten both of them - Arsenal.
"It is not catastrophic and do not think we can go to Coventry and find the player who saves Arsenal Football Club.
"We need to add, of course, and we will do, but we have a strong base."
Analysing
Whoever Arsenal bring in, however, the deal will not bust the bank as Wenger recognises the importance of striking a bargain.
He explained: "I always try to get value for money, that is the job of a football manager.
"In England, it is a bit more difficult because player inflation is higher than everywhere else.
"When you only have a few players at many clubs, the price is too high."
Brazilian Denilson has made it clear his future lies elsewhere, while goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, Emmanuel Eboue and Carlos Vela are among the other players to have been linked with moves elsewhere.
And Wenger has confirmed that he is prepared to let some players leave who have not figured regularly this season.
He said: "There will be some movement of players who have played less and who need to play.
"Of course we will try to strengthen the squad again, but we want to keep the basis and the style we have."
Wenger added: "We are looking, analysing, talking to people.
"We had a few important ones, but this [summer] will certainly be a big one on all fronts."
