Wenger rules out World Cup signings

Posted Thursday, April 29, 2010 by theguardian.com

Arsène Wenger believes the prices of players will be artificially high if they are successful in South Africa.

Arsène Wenger's reluctance to be rushed into spending Arsenal's millions on fresh talent will extend to the World Cup with the Gunners manager insisting he will not be tempted to buy players who make an impact during the tournament.

Arsenal will finish the season without a trophy for the fifth year in a row and were heavily beaten by their rivals Manchester United and Chelsea. That lead to criticism of Wenger's transfer policy, based on nuturing young talent and not spending big on established players.

But the north London club's coffers have be boosted after paying off around £133million in debts and the sales of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to Manchester City last year will give the Frenchman money to spend. But this summer's World Cup in South Africa will not be a scouting trip, Wenger warned.

"The World Cup will not affect our recruitment," he said. "It is dangerous to buy on the back of a World Cup. The prices are artificial and you have to bear in mind that anyone can have three weeks of glory.

"To have 10 years of success is quite different. With the season drawing to a close, people are inevitably looking to discuss our transfer targets.

"I do have targets and have been talking to people but I cannot mention any names at the moment. The earlier you settle your teams for the next season the better it is and the less anxiety you have."

One player he remains keen on securing is the Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh whose deal expires this summer and is available on a free transfer.