Arsene Wenger has questioned the Premier League's 25-man squad rules, claiming it will cause a scrapheap of unemployed players.
Arsenal boss calls for an open number for squad list
Arsene Wenger has questioned the Premier League's 25-man squad rules, claiming it will cause a scrapheap of unemployed players.
The Premier League introduced the rule in September 2010, whereby, following the closure of a transfer window, each team in the division submits a squad list of 25 players, of which at least eight must be 'home-grown' by the club.
Wenger restricted his movements in the January 2012 window, bringing in just two players in teenager Thomas Eisfeld on a long-term deal along with club legend Thierry Henry on a short-term loan.
January spending was down by £160million from 2011's window, and Wenger believes the Premier League's policy is beginning to create a one-in-one-out philosophy at each club.
"You see, nothing happened in the January transfer window because everybody has 25 so if nobody buys nobody else can buy," said the Frenchman.
'Gamble'
"It makes common sense when they (The Premier League) sit together there at the table, but they must never have really experienced what it is to take a risk or gamble on players.
"If I have to buy a player, I have to kick somebody out. The answer is to leave it open."
Wenger believes it is the players who will ultimately pay the price, many of whom he expects to be made redundant at the end of the season.
"You will see the number of players (at the end of the season) who will have no jobs," he added. "The clubs will sit down with the players and say 'we cancel your contract and pay you off'."
