Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger thinks India will be the next to lure major European stars after Chinese Super League money emerges

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Arsene Wenger has warned that India are already emerging as the next threat to the dominance of European football.

The wealthy Chinese Super League has attracted some of Europe’s leading players by offering gigantic pay deals, with Diego Costa the latest to be tempted by a £30million-a-year deal to leave Chelsea.

Arsenal manager Wenger urged Europe’s top stars on Thursday to resist the temptation of Chinese money, but also pinpointed the emerging Indian Super League as a potential competitor.

Arsene Wenger has warned India are the next threat to the dominance of European football

China has emerged as a football force this month, with clubs linked with Chelsea's Diego Costa

Big name players have already moved to the Chinese Super League, including Oscar

Former Premier League stars Luis Garcia, John Arne Riise, Diego Forlan, Florent Malouda and Aaron Hughes have all been lured to India.

Similarly, Steve Coppell, Zico, Gianluca Zambrotta and Marco Materrazzi have managed in the ISL.

Wenger, who confirmed Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker has signed a 12-month extension, said: ‘What will it take for the Chinese Super League to become competitive?

2010 World Cup best player winner Diego Forlan now plays in the Indian Super League (ISL)

While many former Chelsea stars have gone to China, Florent Malouda (right) is in Delhi

Former Liverpool and Fulham left back John Arne Riise (right) in action for Chennaiyin FC

Kerala Blasters defender Aaron Hughes starred for Northern Ireland at Euro 2016

‘It demands years of culture and work. You do not create a top league just like that, but personally I am very happy and I expect India to come to the game, and hope it will happen.

‘But when you want to be a player your first aspiration is to play in the best league, against the best players. After that, when you are a professional you want to combine the fact you can play in the best league, against the best players, for the maximum amount of money.

‘That combination is the best in England at the moment, so I don’t see why the players should leave the Premier League.

‘But China has moved forward, tries to promote football and I’m happy that football is becoming very popular in China. But I still think most of the big players will stay in Europe at the moment.’

Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker has signed a 12-month extension at the Emirates Stadium

Wenger warned the Chinese and Indian leagues not to expect instant success.

‘Professional football was created in England 150 years ago and we still struggle,’ said Wenger. ‘It’s a slow process of creating a football culture. In China it’s new.

‘When I went to Japan it was 1995 and their professional league had been created in 1993. You expect reflexes that are not there because players don’t have the culture of professional football. It will take time.’

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s move for Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has collapsed over personal terms and Palace manager Sam Allardyce has renewed his pursuit of Sunderland left back Patrick van Aanholt.

Crystal Palace’s move for Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has collapsed over personal terms