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Wenger, content not to spend, sticking with youth

Arsene Wenger expects Arsenal's youngsters to underline why he is happy to build a team without major investment by producing another display of their precocious talent against Portsmouth today.

Arsenal's finances have been in the spotlight this week after Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov bought David Dein's stake in the club for ?75 million (US$151 million), sparking inevitable speculation that a takeover was imminent.

If Dein, who was forced off the Arsenal board in April, does return to the Emirates Stadium, Wenger could find himself with an unprecedented amount of money to spend.

Dein and Usmanov believe Arsenal must invest to compete with Chelsea and Manchester United but, while Wenger would hardly turn down the chance to splash out in the transfer market, he insists it is not essential to his long-term plans.

Wenger has established a well-deserved reputation for spotting young players with the potential to become world stars and his current crop are already proving he hasn't lost his eye for an unpolished gem.

With Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Kolo Toure to the fore, Arsenal have made an unbeaten start in the league and easily qualified for the Champions League group stages.

That is all the evidence Wenger needs that his philosophy is right.

"Nobody knows for how much longer people will continue to pump ?40 [million], ?50 [million] or ?100 million into football [soccer] every year without natural resources and any dividends being paid back," he said. "I believe I can compete and be successful because I have a team that can win the Premiership and do well in the Champions League. That's why I'm here."

"There are many ways to work in the game. We buy good players when they come onto the market, but generally we have gone for a different solution and we will continue to do that," he said. "I'm not saying other clubs have got it wrong. Instead we're doing it our way and are happy with that. It's my decision to take this route. If I want to buy a player today then I have money available."

Wenger's current contract expires at the end of the season and it had been suggested he may decide to leave after Dein's acrimonious departure.

But Wenger will be encouraged by this week's developments and insisted he is keen to stay at the Emirates Stadium.

His relaxed smile when he was asked if there was any update about his contract negotiations suggests the French coach is close to giving Arsenal fans the answer they want.

"What I'm thinking when I'm negotiating the contract is whether I have the freedom to work like I want to work," he said. "There will be news on the contract next week."

Wenger will check on Alexander Hleb as the winger is ill, but is definitely without Jens Lehmann, William Gallas, Emmanuel Eboue and Bacary Sagna for the visit of Harry Redknapp's side.

Redknapp was busy in the transfer market on Friday's deadline day.

He signed Glen Johnson from Chelsea for ?4 million and the England right-back, who spent last season on loan at Fratton Park, should make his debut today.

Redknapp has a doubt over captain Sol Campbell, who could miss out on a return to his former club.
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