Arsenal transfer news: Arsene Wenger blames lack of signings on exploitative prices

ARSENE WENGER has claimed Arsenal cannot sign more players because clubs are looking to exploit Premier League teams with inflated transfer fees.

Arsene WengerGETTY

Arsene Wenger has claimed Arsenal are being forced to pay over the odds for players

Premier League clubs have splashed the cash this summer, spending in excess of £1billion following their new mega-money television deals.

Arsenal have been less busy than their rivals but still set a new club record with the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon for £52million.

Supporters had hoped more big-name signings would follow with Monaco winger Thomas Lemar linked with a move to the Emirates for weeks.

However, Arsene Wenger has suggested the Gunners will not do any more business as he feels Premier League clubs are being forced to pay over the odds.

Thomas LemarGETTY

Thomas Lemar is one target Arsenal may be forced to miss out on

Target Thomas Lemar's stunning Monaco highlight reel

"I am very pleased with our market because we bought good players who can integrate with our style of play, that’s what we want,” Wenger said.

“On the other hand, it is very difficult.

“Today, the prices are out of proportion. The transfer market has become very demanding today.

"There is no transfer market anymore because the price depends only on the identity of the buyer.

“When you are English, you have straight away 50 per cent [extra] on the price of a player and that makes it difficult to act."

Arsenal have already had two bids for Monaco winger Lemar rejected and the Gunners’ focus has instead turned to trimming their squad.

"I expect to sell players first. I expect players to go because we have too many players,” Wenger said last week.

"It's not manageable and many clubs are in this situation."

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?