Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been explaining how, if money is available, he is prepared to spend, but only on "world class players." "I fight for the teams to spend the money they have made and not artificially earned. Once we have made that money I am happy to spend it. It is also important for us to find world-class players.

"We had to go through some years where we had restricted financial potential. We are now in a stronger position financially.

"Honestly, I think [Mesut Ozil's signing] was linked with Gareth Bale's transfer. I don't know exactly what happened inside Madrid. Was it down to financial reasons? Maybe they had to let someone go, I was surprised."