China’s financial might worries Arsenal’s Wenger

European clubs should be worried by the economic might displayed by Chinese clubs in the January transfer window, Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, said on Friday.
The Chinese Super League outspent Europe’s elite with series of high-profile signings that could still increase before the local transfer window closes on February 26.
Jiangsu Suning smashed the league’s transfer record for a third time in 10 days by signing Liverpool target, Alex Teixeira, from Shakhtar Donetsk for €50 million ($56 million) on Friday.
On whether Premier League clubs should be concerned about China’s willingness to compete for top players, Wenger said: “Yes, of course, because China looks to have the financial power to move the whole league of Europe to China.
“We know that is just a consequence of economic power and they have that.”
The Teixeira deal follows Guangzhou Evergrande’s capture of Colombian striker, Jackson Martinez, from Atletico Madrid for €42 million.
Again, there is Jiangsu’s signing of Brazil midfielder, Ramires, from Chelsea for a reported £25 million (about $36.33 million).
Wenger questioned whether China would sustain high levels of investment in football and predicted even bigger transfers next season.
He said: “I don’t know how deep the desire in China is, but if it’s a very strong political desire, we should worry.
“In the summer, we will see transfer prices move up again. I am sure that soon the 100 million Euros target will be easy to reach.”
The Arsenal handler also said that in spite of a bumper television deal providing major funds next season, clubs would find it difficult to lower ticket prices, a longstanding demand from fans.
Wenger added: “What will happen is that the prices of players will go up and clubs will need the supplement of money coming in to buy new players.
“So I believe that the pressure on spending the money will become bigger and you cannot necessarily distribute the money to all the people.”
Veteran Arsenal midfielder, Tomas Rosicky, could have played his last game for the club against Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Wenger confirmed that the 35-year-old was out for up to three months after partially rupturing a tendon in his thigh.
The cup game was Rosicky’s only appearance of the campaign to date and the Czech Republic international’s contract expires at the end of the season, his 10th at the club.
Reuters/NAN.