It is difficult to find quality players in transfer market, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal has found it difficult to identify quality players to add to its squad in the transfer market.

The Gunners have only added Granit Xhaka, Takuma Asano and Rob Holding, despite having seven first-team players out injured, with key trio Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil also short of match fitness after they were given an extended break following Euro 2016.

Arsenal has been heavily linked with a number of defenders – including Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi – with only two weeks remaining until the transfer window closes.

Wenger understands frustrations of Arsenal fans, who turned on him during last Sunday’s 4-3 home defeat to Liverpool, but insists he will not pay too highly for “average players”.

“Buying calms the fans of course but we have to make sure we spend it the right way,” he said at his pre-match media conference ahead of the match at Leicester City.

“I think it’s very difficult to find players and identify them. That’s why everyone is on the market for the same players and the deals.

“On the whole transfer market there is very little happening because of the availability of players.

“You can play huge amounts of money for average players – there are plenty of those – but to find the ones who will strengthen your squad, that is more difficult.

“It’s not my money and it’s important to spend money the right way.”

Arsenal has also pursued Alexandre Lacazette, but found Lyon stubborn in negotiations for the France striker.

Wenger explained: “We are not scared to spend money but to buy in itself is not a quality – to buy good players is. This club has been built on that.”