Former Liverpool and Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has jumped to the defence of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Houllier is a close friend of Wenger's and someone with a better understanding than most of the manager's situation.

"The fact is Arsene has not got the money until now," said Wenger.

"But he always wants to have a wage bill the club can sustain financially and he always wants players with desire, intelligence and an ability to bond with the group.

"It is not easy at the moment. If you think he is probably looking for a forward or an offensive midfielder, the best ones just get bought up by the richest clubs. But Arsene has his ideas, I am certain of that."