Arsene Wenger calls Paul Pogba's potential fee "completely crazy"
Arsenal are actively searching for a centerback, manager Arsene Wenger said on Saturday, but he added that today's transfer fees are "completely crazy." Ahead of Arsenal's preseason fixture against Chivas Guadalajara, Wenger spoke about the current transfer landscape and suggested fees have gotten out of hand.
Wenger has come under criticism for a perceived unwillingness to spend big at Arsenal, and in a summer filled with high-profile big money transfers, pressure is on the Gunners boss to strengthen the team that came up short in the league last season.
When asked about Paul Pogba's potential record-breaking transfer from Juventus, Wenger criticized the extravagant spending in the game: "It is completely crazy if you cannot afford to pay it. If you can afford to pay it, you can justify it. It is completely crazy if you compare it to normal life. That is for sure. But we live in a world where every activity that is worldwide makes a lot of money. Football has become a worldwide competition and that is why clubs can afford to do it. Does it make sense in the way the player can give you that investment back? Nobody ever could calculate."
Arsenal have signed three players already this season, but fans are calling for more reinforcement in the face of strong spending at Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and more. Wenger confirmed that the club will seek a new centerback after Mertesacker's injury, but was quick to quash any criticism of Arsenal chief exec Ivan Gazidis.
"I work every day with Ivan," Wenger said. "Believe me, he is highly motivated to bring players in. Sometimes I have to calm him down. I believe as well this is a period where everybody wants to dream, and transfers bring dreams."
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