Wenger: I’m tight with cash as I feel Arsenal belongs to me

Arsene Wenger has admitted his guilt to a long-standing accusation from supporters that he is “stingy” when it comes to spending Arsenal’s transfer kitty.

Wenger, who only signed Petr Cech this summer, despite having the funds to sign more players, has often been labelled as ‘tight’ by supporters due to his refusal to spend huge amounts in the transfer market.

And, speaking to L’Equipe, Wenger has confessed that he doesn’t take a carefree approach with the Gunners funds – because he feels the club “belongs to me”.

The Frenchman said: “I’ll give myself merit for one thing: I’ve always treated Arsenal as if it belonged to me.

“I have sometimes been criticised for it – because I am not enough of a spender, not carefree enough.

“I credit myself for having had the courage to apply my ideas and fight for them. Aside from that, I can understand why people might not agree.

“My great pride will be to be able to say the day that I leave, that I am leaving behind a good team, a healthy situation and a club capable of performing in the future.

“I could have said to myself: ‘I am here for four or five years, we win everything’, [then] I leave and leave the club on the verge of bankruptcy. For me, consistency at the highest level is the true sign of great clubs.”

What do you think of Wenger’s confession? Should he be more carefree with cash, or is his attitude admirable? Discuss this on the new-look Arsenal Your Say forum.