Arsene Wenger admits transfer market has gone mad.
Some interesting quotes from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger have emerged. The comments go some way to explaining the Frenchman’s reluctance to spend big on players (apart from Mesut Ozil).
Speaking to Eurosport France in late August (the full video is available HERE but can only be viewed in France), Wenger has admitted he no longer knows the value of players any more.
The Gunners boss blames the influx of billionaire owners, like Chelsea’s Roman Abramovich, on the inflated market, and believes there is no middle ground between players worth around €8-10m and those price at €40-100m.
This summer saw the likes of Edinson Cavani, Radamel Falcao and Gareth Bale all sold for over €40m.
Sports editor at France24 TV Dan Levy has translated Wenger’s quotes:
Wenger: “I don’t know what players are worth any more. I’m like you. It’s as though there is no longer a market price.”
— danlevy1 (@danlevy1) September 11, 2013
Wenger: “As there are billionaires in charge of certain clubs, they just give a price (and for some) it doesn’t matter what it costs.” — danlevy1 (@danlevy1) September 11, 2013
Wenger: “There’s a market between zero and ten million euros, and then you go directly to 40 to 100m euros, and there’s nothing in between.” — danlevy1 (@danlevy1) September 11, 2013
Wenger “It reassures people to know that you’re spending 50-60m. I’m not against that as long as it’s players who really make a difference.”
— danlevy1 (@danlevy1) September 11, 2013
Wenger (speaking late in window): “If we don’t find exactly what we want, we’ll remain… normal.” (He means transfer behaviour, not squad)
— danlevy1 (@danlevy1) September 11, 2013
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