Arsenal boss bristly ahead of tricky test in Turkey

Manager Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal must be allowed to go about their transfer business away from public scrutiny — and defended his record in landing quality players as he prepared the depleted Gunners squad for tonight’s crucial Champions League play-off first leg away to Fenerbahce.

Wenger has found himself under increasing pressure from both media and fans alike as the north London club have failed to strengthen this summer, despite having money to spend and targeting several high-profile players such as Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez.

Matters came to a head when Arsenal were beaten 3-1 at home by Aston Villa on the opening day of the new campaign, when a knee injury to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ruled the England midfielder out for up to six weeks and the team left the Emirates Stadium pitch to boos, as well as calls for Wenger to quickly spend some of the £70m transfer war chest.