The Arsenal boss has admitted that losing his most valuable players to clubs offering extortionate salaries was hard for him to take during his time with the Gunners

And the 62-year-old manager admitted he has found it frustrating watching his young stars leave the Emirates at an age when he believes they could have driven the Gunners to that ever-elusive trophy.

Arsene Wenger has accused Manchester City and Barcelona of trying to destroy his work at Arsenal Last summer saw former club captain Cesc Fabregas leave north London to join Spanish giants Barcelona while French duo Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy were lured away by Premier League champions Manchester City.

"Sometimes people try and destroy your work," the 62-year-old told De Telegraaf.

"I lost Nasri, Clichy and Fabregas at an age when they could have made the difference for Arsenal."

Arsenal have already added Lukas Podolski to their ranks this summer, and Wenger has confirmed that a deal for Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud is close to completion.