Arsenal director Lord Harris has given an interview where he made some very revealing insights into Arsene's transfer approach this summer. The highlight of that being: "We get a list of the players that Wenger wants. On the list is a centre forward, but I'm not going to tell you who he is. You've got to get the other team to want to sell him, but I think he wants to come. It basically comes down to whether the other team can find a superstar to replace him, because they don't have to sell." It sounds as though we're definitely in some stage of negotiations with another club over this player, lots of speculation that it's Benzema and it seems likely that Wenger will have an option B should this transfer not materialise, with Lewandowski being touted also. Harris' other comments about Wenger being able to go and buy almost any player he wants and that we have £200m in the bank to spend are not so welcome. It's great that we're in that position, but I don't think there's any need to come out with that. It just encourages other clubs to dig their heals in over selling their players and / or charge us a premium knowing we can afford it. His other comments about Spurs not being welcome to share the Emirates, that they are at least 5 years behind us (I thought that was generous to be honest) and that they'd sold Bale for £85m, spent £110m and gone backwards, were deserving of proper Gooner pat on the back http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33648776
Just guessing, but I would have imagined that in the top 20/30 clubs in Europe that they'd have a decent idea of each others spending power (based on financial research, sponsorship income, current transfer spending and owing spending (at a guess) ect) so while it may not be accurate, it could be within £30m-£50m at a guess
Maybe, but I don't think it's helpful telling others how much you have to splash and that you can get any player pretty much that you want. That will just put other chairmen's backs up. I know where Harris is coming from, and it's great news to hear I suppose, but I think these sorts of things should be kept within the club.
Its one thing to have lots of money, another to regularly spend it. You guys have a tendency to not splash the cash vs spurs who are the opposite. I think everyone knew you had lotsa cash, its the fact that wenger might be spending a huge chunk of it (potentially) that is the damaging bit!
Looks like Wenger doesn't agree, and he's replied to Harris' foot in mouth comment.... Arsenal: Arsene Wenger denies he could buy 'almost any player' Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has dismissed suggestions that he could sign almost any player in the world. Club director Lord Harris made the comments in the Daily Mail, saying Wenger has the financial backing to break the club's transfer record. "He's gone a bit overboard. It's not true," said Wenger, who signed Petr Cech from Chelsea this summer. "We are in a situation where we are working hard if an opportunity comes up to do something."
Spurs fans will tell you that their net spend is what counts. Trouble is they've a bigger net spend on transfers than us anyway. So then they'll tell you that Arsenal spend more on wages, well we can afford to because we have a higher income and our players play in the prestige competition, the Champions league. One thing Harris did get right with his comments was telling the Spuds that they'd spent £110m and gone backwards
I do not think his Spurs comment makes him any less dumb. It is not the first time some old lord or whoever from AFC directors board opens his mouth and says things that make him look like a fool. I think our club is particularly blessed that kind of talent in those quarters. How can Gazidis or Wenger say now to a selling club that we are unable to pay that much for this player?
I do not think his Spurs comment makes him any less dumb. It is not the first time some old lord or whoever from AFC directors board opens his mouth and says things that make him look like an fool. I think our club is particularly blessed that kind of talent in those quarters. How can Gazidis or Wenger say now to a selling club that we are unable to pay that much for this player?
