Wenger wary of splashing cash

Arsene Wenger maintains he has money to spend, but must weigh up the cost of "killing" the chances of Arsenal's talented youngsters by bringing in a big name transfer.

Long-serving midfielder Gilberto Silva on Thursday joined Greek side Panathinaikos to follow both unsettled winger Alexander Hleb and the combative Mathieu Flamini out of Emirates Stadium leaving Wenger short of options in midfield.

The Frenchman told Arsenal TV OnLine: "Of course I am in a position where I can spend the money. But every time we have done such a great job with the young players that you are concerned 'do we kill a young player or not by bringing another player in?'"

He added: "It is a very sensitive subject which is not specially linked with money."

The Gunners may now up their interest in Aston Villa's England international Gareth Barry, who is rated at £18million and has been a target for Liverpool.

Wenger has already recruited promising Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff for £5million and paid £12million for 21-year-old France attacking winger Samir Nasri as he again puts faith in youth.

While some of that outlay has been recouped by the sales of Hleb and Gilberto, the Gunners boss rejected criticism over the club's unwillingness to shatter their wage structure purely in a bid to keep players happy.

Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor is one who has suggested he could get better terms elsewhere, and has been tracked by both AC Milan and Barcelona.

"There is a lot of talk in the press, but we have always managed at this club by balancing the budget," Wenger said.

"We should not be criticised for that and should be respected for that."