Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to pay over the top for world-class players and believes that quality doesn't necessarily have to come at a price.

When asked about the quoted transfer fees for players such as Juventus' Paul Pogba, Wenger said it is not always the case that a player will perform after paying so much money for their services.

"We have not spent that kind of money. People forget that for years we had to sell our best players and that was a very difficult period. That is the reality," he said.

"Since we have been able to buy again, we slowly came back to a more competitive level. But people speak about stratospheric numbers where we will not be involved.

"Not at that level - for financial reasons. It's simple. I have not made a clear decision yet on what I will do. But don't rule anything out. I'm always more focused on quality."

The Frenchman further stated the examples of players such as Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin to drive home the point that quality does not always cost exorbitant money.

He added: "But on Saturday Santi Cazorla was voted man of the match. He has not cost £150m. Francis Coquelin was one of the best players on the pitch. You have to look at the real quality of people. I am not against spending money. I have shown that. But I want a good rapport between price and quality."