Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits they're struggling to compete in wages against their Premier League rivals.
Manchester United are reported to be offering Alexis Sanchez £500,000-a-week but Wenger refused to discuss the finances but insisted that the Chile star had remained professional throughout.
Wenger admitted Arsenal cannot compete with Manchester City and United wages.
“Financially, yes. That doesn't mean that you cannot compete on the pitch. That will not be an excuse big enough to not compete on the pitch. Of course, there's no mystery that United and City have bigger financial resources.
“I wouldn't like to comment on the numbers because that's Manchester United's problem. If they want to come out with the numbers they've offered to Sanchez… I respect Manchester United because they generate the money they pay to the players from their own resources. You have to respect that.
“After that, it's down to them to know how much they want to give to the player. Overall, Manchester United is a club that is very well managed financially and on the pitch as well. That's why I don't have any problems with the money they pay.
“Modern football has created a kind of game where the best players in the game are grouped to a various small number of clubs. That makes football less unpredictable and much more predictable. I would say the gap in financial resources between the biggest clubs and the smaller clubs has increased tremendously in the last five years.
“They are professional players. I have no problem with Alexis Sanchez. His attitude has been outstanding with us. He was in training yesterday, fully committed and prepared 100 per cent.
“One thing you cannot question about Alexis Sanchez is his professionalism and his commitment. After that, he's 29 years old and the next contract will of course be very important for him."