Source: Telegraph
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger ready to spend big on Fulham's Bred Hangeland
Wenger was placed in the extraordinary position of having to defend himself in a shareholders meeting over his recent spending, or lack of it, and was angered that he was being blamed for the carefulness of his employers, according to a report in the Sun newspaper.
Now, after being given the club's 'unequivocal support' from chief executive Ivan Gazidis he will test the board's willingness to spend on Hangeland.
The 27-year-old Norwegian arrived at Craven Cottage 18 months ago in a deal worth £3.7 million to FC Copenhagen, though assured performances in a terrific season for Fulham has seen his value increase massively.
Wenger needs to add both quality and quantity to his back line options and the 6ft 4in towering defender fits the bill.
Hangeland has two years remaining on his current deal at Fulham and with the club likely to be taking part in next season's Europa League there is less pressure to sell than in the past.
However, manager Roy Hodgson is aware of the circumstances in which he works and knows that an offer of £15 million would be difficult for a club of Fulham's size to turn down.
So the likelihood is that the asking price will have to be met and Wenger will assess Arsenal's willingness to do business as a test of their commitment to both building a team that can compete for the major honours again and to him as a manager personally.
