Wenger: Arsenal are ready to spend big again

By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) 

Arsene Wenger claims Arsenal are prepared to spend big again in the transfer window - after the success of Mesut Ozil.

The German playmaker made a £43million switch from Real Madrid, which smashed the Gunners' previous transfer record, to the Emirates on deadline day and has since impressed for the north London side.

And, speaking at the club's AGM, Wenger said Arsenal are determined to pair big money signings with talented youngsters who have come through the ranks.

"We have a huge ambition to win this league again and that is the target of the season, but I still believe our policy has to be based on three different levels. I don't think without that we will have success," he said.

"The first level is of course, continue to defend our style of play, our philosophy of play and our values. That can only be done by developing our own players and the core of our team has to come from the development inside our club.

"The second level of the development of our club has to be based on the intelligence of our eye. That means players who are unknown and who can become big players here, through our connections, the quality of our scouting, through the quality of what we have seen in them and how they could develop.

"Then, the third part of our development and ambition is to scout and buy recognised world class players. This season for example we have bought Ozil. You don't need any scout to buy Ozil. You just need money.

"I am quite happy that we have shown to you that we are not scared to spend money when we think the players have the quality and we have the funds available to do it."

Wenger continued: "I believe we have a huge advantage in that our club is well respected all over the world because we have values, because we are not artificial, because we are based on tradition, we are as well forward thinking and we give a chance to young people who deserve it.

"That is for me something that is very important to preserve."

Arsenal host Norwich when domestic action resumes again on Saturday.

The Gunners lead the table only on goal difference from Liverpool, whom they are set to face at the Emirates Stadium at the start of next month.

Wenger feels Arsenal should be confident of a long-overdue sustained assault on the title.

"We are top of the table, we are in a very strong position, but if you look the schedule, then by the end of November you will have a much clearer situation of where the strengths of everybody lies in this Premier League," said Wenger.

"When we get all of our players back (from injury), then at the moment I am confident we have a very big part to play in this league.

"I am confident at the end of May, we will all be happy."

Arsenal will check on the fitness of Ozil, who was substituted late on during Germany's final World Cup qualifier in Sweden, as a precaution after a knock to his knee.

Fellow midfield playmaker Santi Cazorla should be involved again for the first time since the win over Tottenham on September 1 following his recovery from an ankle problem.

England forward Theo Walcott, who has been sidelined after a minor abdominal procedure, is set to resume full training, but may not feature until next week's Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund.