Arsene Wenger has predicted that Paul Pogba will not remain the world's most expensive player for long, claiming that the first £200m signing is almost within sight as the transfer market continues to expand.
Pogba was signed by Manchester United from Juventus for a base fee of £89m, with add-ons taking that figure higher and higher. Speaking in a press conference before Arsenal's season opener on Sunday, Wenger said: "It will not be long before we see a £150m or £200m signing.
Arsene Wenger believes first £200m footballer is just around the corner https://t.co/pNkUXkm0jB pic.twitter.com/4nWM3EFo6G
"Since I started in the game I said, at some stage, it has to stop but as long as football develops and becomes more popular you would say that more money will come in.
"What is interesting to see is that in every single local business you just struggle to survive.Or you have a world business and the money comes in ” Google, Facebook or football or any other sport, they are worldwide and you cannot set any other limitations in the income."
He claimed that the rising fees would not stop Arsenal competing in the Premier League though, saying that a failure to splash the cash might not be the limitation it appears - adding: "Manchester United are the richest club in the world along with Real Madrid.
📱 Always make sure your phone is on flight mode in press conferences!#AFCvLFC https://t.co/LRZnpNSg1q
"Not many people can compete with their finances but that doesn't make the difference because at the moment on the pitch we can compete. That is the most important thing. It's not a financial competition, football is a performance competition.
"It is becoming more like a financial competition but that does not always reflect the Premier League table.We have to make sure that is the case. Leicester showed that last year. Never before have there been so many teams who could win the title.
"But that can make it easier as well because it means that everyone can drop points.There cannot be just one team that walks away and nobody can catch. The hope will be alive for everyone in the Premier League longer than ever. On that front, if you are consistent it could be easier."
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