New squad regulations won’t affect Arsenal, insists Wenger

Arsene Wenger is not concerned by the introduction of the home-grown players rule this season and says the new regulations will not affect Arsenal’s transfer dealings.

The Premier League requires clubs to name at least eight home-grown members in a squad of 25 by the end of August, although players under 21 are exempt from the limit.

A ‘home-grown’ player must have trained with a club for over three years before turning 21, regardless of nationality.

“The new squad regulations this season will not affect us, we have no problem there,” said Wenger.

“The home-grown players rule will not affect what I do in the transfer market. We are comfortable with the quotas.”

The Arsenal manager also added that he is still looking to strengthen his Gunners side before having to name his 25-man squad at the end of the month.

“I haven’t ruled out adding anyone else to the squad before the deadline, we are working on it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs have been singing their manager’s praises as the Frenchman prepares for his 14th year in north London.

“It’s fantastic to see a manager that always brings it back on himself,” said Walcott.

“He might not say it in front of the cameras, but behind closed doors he’ll tell us. Every season he always believes in us and I think that shows what a great manager he is.”

Left-back Gibbs added: “He has a way with his words that will give you such confidence that all you want to do is repay him.”

“He’s given me loads of chances to show what I can do and I just want to repay him for all he’s done.”