Wenger says Arsenal fans only want Messi-like signings

London: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed fans will never accept club signing promising but unknown young players as they always expect from him to sign world class players like Lionel Messi. Gunners face two million pound Swansea City bargain Michu in the FA Cup on Sunday but boss claims their star-struck supporters wouldn`t accept such a signing The Frenchman is under pressure to buy big and he said the days when he could unearth hidden gems are gone, the Daily Mirror reports.

Wenger built his reputation at Arsenal on uncovering Nicolas Anelka, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor and turning them from bit-part players into stars. However, his recent track record when trying to buy players on the cheap has often been a disaster, as the likes of Marouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci and Gervinho, who has been hugely disappointing for 11 million pounds, have failed to blossom. Wenger said it is very difficult to sign young players these days since fans’ expectations are very high and they only want Arsenal to sign established players like Messi. Wenger said signing world class players gives fans some hope, which isn’t the case when the club signs an unknown but talented player. ANI