Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits pressure to sign 'proven' stars

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits to feeling under pressure to bring in big-name signings rather than an unproven talent.

Wenger has rarely opted for marquee signings during his 17-year tenure at Arsenal but Gunners fans are growing tired of his transfer policy and are calling for him to deliver someone of proven quality.

While he has been linked with the likes of Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez and Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, Wenger knows the fans expect a star name.

“It is very difficult because the level of expectation is very high – people want to see Lionel Messi come in, they don’t want to see a promising guy,” said Wenger.

“First of all the name gives hope. When a guy has no name people are already sceptical, so it’s much more difficult for us.”

Wenger admitted he looked at triggering the £7 million release clause in Demba Ba’s contract with Newcastle in the summer but opted not to pursue the transfer having already signed Olivier Giroud.

Ba is almost certain to join Chelsea and Wenger insists he has no regrets at not signing the Senegal international, insisting a troublesome knee injury was not a factor in his decision.

“I like Demba Ba, but he is a similar type to Giroud who we just bought and it was one or other that we had to decide on,” admitted Wenger.

“I’ve heard different kind of vibes coming out about Ba’s injury. Somebody told me that what he has is manageable. He didn’t manage to pass a medical at Stoke, but I’m sure Chelsea will have a check on him. I hear his problem is not as big as people say.”