ARSENE WENGER admits Arsenal could lose some of their best players this summer after signing his new deal at the club.
In his first interview since it was announced he was staying on, he gave a glimpse into his summer transfer plans.
Some of his biggest stars such as Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil may leave, as well as peripheral stars such as Kieran Gibbs and Lucas Perez.
He told Arsenal's official website: "We have a very heavy squad at the moment so maybe we might lose some players. We want to keep the strength we have and build on that.
"We will work very hard to find the additions of top, top quality. I believe that our squad is very strong and we will only look for top-class people who can strengthen our team now.
"The basis is there so we need the additions who will make a real difference."
Alluding as he did to signings comes amid rumours of a £100m transfer warchest this summer to sign the likes of Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez, Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg, AC Milan’s Carlos Bacca and Monaco’s Thomas Lemar.
It is ambitions backed by the board and owner Stan Kroenke, who said Wenger won’t leave the club until they win the Premier League.
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And Wenger added: "We look at the top, top quality available. We have seen in the recent games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United that we are a very strong team.
"For us it’s very important that we only consider the players who can really make a difference, no matter where it is.
"They are of course unlimited, our ambitions. We live in a very competitive world where you need the support of the owner as well.
"He’s highly ambitious and supportive as well so, on that front, we are all united with exactly the same targets."
Despite a woeful season redeemed slightly by winning the FA Cup against Chelsea last weekend, Wenger is still under fire, with many surprised he is staying on when it seemed likely he would leave.
But while he remained tight-lipped on his future during the course of the season, it was surely always in his mind he would stay given how certain he is he can turn things around in north London.
He said: "I’m excited because I believe that our end of season is a big springboard to go for more.
"We have created a dynamic that is very positive and we want to build on that and transfer that positive end of season [form] to the new season.
"For me it’s always easy on a loving affair because I identify myself so much with the club. When you can be where you love to be, that’s easy.
"It’s difficult because you want to respond to the demands of all the people who love this club.
"The message to the fans is in aid of the club. Let’s be together to support our players, to support the club and all give our absolute best to be at the level that we want to be.
"We can move up to the next level, I’m convinced of that, by having faith in the way we want to play football and by supporting the players we have already."
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