Wenger can splash Arsenal’s cash
Arsenal chairman Chips Keswick has told Arsene Wenger he is free to splash the cash in the next transfer window after the Premier League club revealed cash reserves of over STG120 million ($A223 million) in their latest financial results.
The Gunners’ parent company on Friday published figures covering the six months up to November 30, 2013.
Although those results showed there was a group loss before tax of STG2.2 million ($A4.1 million), Arsenal’s sound financial footing was clear to see.
Gunners manager Wenger is often cautious about spending large sums on players, but he did shatter the club’s record transfer fee with the STG42.5 million ($A79.22 million) purchase of Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid in September.
And Keswick says the north London outfit remain fully committed to significant investment in Wenger’s squad once the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.
“Whilst youth development continues to be an important focus, we fully recognise the importance of getting the balance right between youth and experience,” Keswick said.
“As you well know, we signed Mesut Ozil for a club record transfer fee in the summer and, in addition, the signing of Mathieu Flamini has proved to be an astute acquisition.”
Arsenal reported football turnover had increased to STG136 million ($A253.52 million) from STG106.1 million ($A197.78 million) with match-day income at the 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium bringing in STG45 million ($A83.88 million), up from STG37.8 million ($A70.46 million).