Arsene Wenger has a plan (Getty)

Arsene Wenger hinted to Emmanuel Petit that he has a plan to lure the best players in the world to Arsenal this summer.

The Gunners know that they must strengthen when the transfer window opens, however they will be unable to offer prospective players Champions League football.

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Nor can they claim to be title challengers considering recent years or match the wages that some of their Premier League rivals can offer.

Yet Wenger has a plan to attract players with a winning mentality, according to former Arsenal player Emmanuel Petit. The former France international, who played under Wenger at Monaco and Arsenal and remains close to the Arsenal boss, revealed details of a conversation the pair held earlier this year in which they discussed transfers.


Petit and Wenger in 1998 (Getty)

‘I asked Arsene a question about two months ago,’ recounted Petit. ‘He was in the middle of a storm – fans wanted him to leave the club and even opponent fans were making fun of him, saying they wanted him to stay at the club. I’m a huge fan of Arsene. I know what he has done for Arsenal and the Premier League and the fact he hasn’t won the league for a long time does not mean he isn’t a quality manager.



‘I asked him a simple question: “how can you bring in talented players with a winning mentality, who are difficult to buy on the transfer market?” The fact that Arsenal doesn’t win trophies for ages, doesn’t want to change their wages policy, doesn’t want to put more money on the table for players. They’ve done it with Shkodran Mustafi and Mezut Ozil, but I think they need to be more intelligent in the transfer market.

‘Arsene looked at me and said: “This is a very intelligent question. I know the answer but I won’t give you the answer right now.” I’m pretty sure he will break the wages policy at the club and put big money on the table to bring in big big players for the team next season.’

Wenger lifted the FA Cup at the weekend – but Arsenal finished fifth in the league (Getty)

Arsene Wenger in numbers Premier League trophies: 3

FA Cup wins: 7

League Cup and European trophies combined: 0

Number of times failed to qualify for Champions League (in full season in charge): 1

Year he arrived at Arsenal: 1996

BBC Sports Personality of the Year best coach award wins: 2

Years since last league trophy: 13

Petit believes that it is vital that Wenger brings in fresh talent over the summer.

‘Winning the FA Cup was important but Arsene needs to be bring more talent in to the club for next season and he must also change his management,’ said the 1997/98 double winner.

‘I think he should put more pressure on his players all the time. When I watched the FA Cup Final, I was surprised – in a good way – the level of intensity on the pitch from the Arsenal players. The pressure on the manager has been very high this season, but most of the players must look at themselves in the mirror and ask “did I do everything I could this year in every game I played in?” The answer is very clear for me – “no I didn’t”.’

Emmanuel Petit was speaking to Mastercard – official UEFA Champions League sponsor – to support the release of their ‘12th man’ report, which measured the passion of European football fans.

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