Wenger has been
criticised by supporters for failing to invest in top players,
insisting on a policy of nurturing young talent.
However, with the Gunners without a trophy since lifting the FA Cup
in 2005, the Daily Mail understands Wenger now feels the
time is right to splash the cash.
On the Frenchman's summer wish-list are Everton defender Phil
Jagielka, Chelsea’s Joe Cole, Fulham’s veteran goalkeeper Mark
Schwarzer and Lorient’s Laurent Koscielny.
Jagielka is the latest name to be linked with a move to the north
London club, although it remains to be seen whether David Moyes
will want to lose such an influential player from his
back-line.
Wenger has already made moves to sign both Schwarzer and Cole, and
despite being rebuffed with his initial enquiry for the Fulham
shot-stopper, the Arsenal boss is confident of landing the duo
after they return from the World Cup.
Arsenal have barely featured in the transfer market in recent
years, with the commitment of building the Emirates costing the
club £380m.
However, being one of the few Premier League clubs to make a profit
last year - earning a return of £45.5m - Wenger is now finally free
to invest heavily in his squad, something other top-flight
behemoths might not be able to do without such a secure financial
footing.