Szczesny gives his verdict on Arsenal’s transfer policy

Tuesday, January 29, 2013
1:43 PM

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has given under-fire manager Arsene Wenger his full backing with regards to his transfer policy of prioritising youth over big money signings.

Wenger has come under intense pressure to spend in the January transfer window as the Gunners poor first half of the season finds them lagging well behind leaders Manchester United and four points off fourth-placed Spurs.

Szczesny, 22, can understand Arsenal fans’ angry reaction to the lack of big spending at the Emirates but insists the club are right to persist with their policy of putting young talent first.

“You understand the fans’ frustrations when you see other clubs spend massive money on exciting players, but I’ve benefited from the club’s policy so I support it”, the Pole told the Guardian.

“I came to the club at 16 and came through the ranks. So in my opinion it is quite clear.

“Giving young players the chance to prove themselves at the club they were brought up, at the club they love, is the right way to go.

“In terms of bringing young talent through, there is no one else who can compete with us.

“Some clubs can’t produce top-class talent so they have to spend big money. It’s a very long debate.”

He added: “I came here as a 16-year-old boy and everything I know right now, I know from this club and the people who took care of me when I was young.

“Some of them have had the most influence – of course you have your parents and relatives, but people I have met here have given me so much.

“It’s everyone. I love this place. I feel I have something I want to give back to them. It gives me a lot of desire to do well.”