Wenger to avoid money excuse

ARSENE WENGER maintains Arsenal cannot use a lack of big-money signings as an excuse should the Gunners fail to land the Premier League title next season.

Arsenal, whose challenge faded as they finished third in May, have once again seen their rivals heavily invest during the summer – with Manchester City again bankrolling an incredible spree to the best part of £100 million (€120m) as they look to blow the title race wide open.

Conversely, Wenger has brought in Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh, a free transfer after his contract with Bordeaux expired and unproven French centre-back Laurent Koscielny, in a reported £10m (€12m) deal from Lorient.