Alisher Usmanov slams Wenger’s principles, says he must buy quality players to compete

Alisher Usmanov has criticized Wenger for his failings in the transfer market

Alisher Usmanov is arguably the most outspoken among Arsenal’s shareholders and he’s made it clear to Arsene Wenger that he must strengthen in every single position to compete for trophies. He also questioned the Frenchman's restrictive transfer policy.

The Russian billionaire who is Arsenal’s second-highest shareholder believes the club are falling behind the top sides domestically and on the continent, and he sees loosening the purse strings the only way to bridge the gap.

But Usmanov has raised questions about the validity of Wenger’s restrictive policy in the transfer market given the amount of money sitting untouched in the Emirates coffers.

Usmanov chats with Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovic

‘We need to strengthen every position to play on the level of such teams in the UK as Chelsea and Manchester City, in Europe like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and other clubs,’ the 61-year-old told CNBC

Saturday evening’s defeat at the hands of Manchester United further highlighted the need for cover – particularly in defensive midfield – but it remains unlikely that the parsimonious Wenger will sanction any moves in the January transfer window.

That, Usmanov asserts, could be holding the Gunners back.

Wenger groans as Manchester United defeated Arsenal in the Premier League

‘I like Arsene for his principles. But principles are sort of restriction. And restrictions are always lost possibilities,’ he added.

‘That's why sometimes coaches even without principles became the coaches of great teams. And some coaches with principles lose because some positions in the team are vacant because of ethical, moral or personal views.

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‘Does he have money or not? There is officially money in the club. How does he spend - this decision investors have left with him.’

Wenger has overseen Arsenal's worst start to a season for 32 years and, as supporters continue to vent their fury at a lack of progress, talk has again resurfaced as to whether the time is right to cut ties with their esteemed manager. 

Usmanov said: 'As to Arsene Wenger - he is one of the greatest coaches not just of European, but of world football. But we have Russian proverb which goes – "Even an old lady can have a roof falling on her".

'Everybody makes mistakes. He can make mistakes and I know as you age that it is more difficult, more challenging to accept one's mistakes. Maybe it's a problem today. 

'He is a great man, a great coach, he had great victories and he has to have an opportunity to secure the place, which he and his team ought to have. 

Gibbs looked helpless after the defeat at the Emirates leaves Arsenal in 8th position on the log and 15 points behind league leaders, Chelsea

'I think the men who created winners have to be winners themselves.'