Investment worries Wenger
13 Dec 2006 - 08:18:20
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned that an influx of foreign investment into the Premiership could be bad for the future of the game.
In recent seasons the Frenchman has watched Roman Abramovich bankroll Chelsea's dominance on the domestic front, while Manchester United, Aston Villa and more recently West Ham have all been taken over by overseas investors.
Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Dubai-based investors over a £450million takeover at Anfield and Wenger believes that should the trend continue then the Gunners could be forced to follow suit.
"What is dangerous for us is once the financial potential of a club goes above the natural resources by far," said Wenger. "We would be in trouble because we don't have that.
"At the moment we have income from the gates, television and sponsorship, but if it is that plus private gift then we cannot compete.
"At the moment we can because only one club has those resources but once three or four have that then the pressures on the salaries will be too big.
"Today the players say 'I earn less than at Chelsea but it is only one club'. But once that becomes the price of the market then you are in trouble because you cannot compete at all."
Wenger has also sounded a note of caution over the intentions of some foreign investors.
He added: "If they have £100million to put into Arsenal and they want to make £200million it looks to me very dangerous for football and for the club.
"If they said here is £100million and I want to enjoy it and help the club to develop then it is okay.
"But to find people who are prepared to put £100million, £200million or £800million into a club and is prepared to lose it them you must be lucky.
"For me Abramovich looks to be in a different world financially because if he loses his investment it is peanuts for him. You do not find many people like that."