Arsenal manager defends transfer policy

LONDON - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defended his transfer policy on Tuesday, reminding disgruntled fans of the club’s past successes and encouraging them to put their faith in the current squad.

Wenger has come under fire from supporters and the media for failing to recruit a significant signing in the close season and pressure has started to mount on the Frenchman after Arsenal’s losing start to the Premier League campaign.

A 3-1 home defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday sparked calls from the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust to put on hold contract talks with the 63-year-old, whose deal runs out after this season.

Ahead of a Champions League qualifier against Turkish side Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Wednesday, Wenger said now was not the time to press the panic button.

“I would like to reiterate in the last 16 years we have been very successful with transfers,” he said. “If you look at the players who play tomorrow, they are top quality players, and you should never forget that.” Reuters