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China's big spending really worries Wenger

By Reuters | China Daily | Updated: 2016-12-30 07:02

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger warned the Premier League not to underestimate the enormous spending power of Chinese soccer after the Super League lured yet another major star from the EPL.

Wenger joined Chelsea counterpart Antonio Conte in expressing concern that a growing number of players might be tempted by the riches available in China.

Wenger raised the issue last Friday - the same day Chelsea midfielder Oscar temporarily became the world's highest-paid player, earning a reported $490,760 per week, after he agreed to join Shanghai SIPG in the 16-team CSL.

On Thursday, Argentine striker Carlos Tevez eclipsed Oscar's deal, with a reported $84 million move to Shanghai Shenhua, while Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez has been linked with Hebei China Fortune.

"It (Oscar's move) is a surprise to me but when I was in Japan they had many Brazilian players like Leonardo, Jorginho and Dunga. The competition was well organized," Wenger said, referring to his time as Nagoya Grampus manager.

Former Southampton striker Graziano Pelle, Ezequiel Lavezzi, formerly of French giant Paris Saint-Germain, and Colombian Jackson Martinez, previously of Atletico Madrid, are all recent arrivals in China, while Shanghai SIPG manager Andre Villas-Boas is also on a lucrative contract since replacing ex-England boss Sven Goran-Eriksson.

"At the moment, I think Oscar moves because he doesn't play ... China gives him that opportunity and they invest a lot of money to create a big force," Wenger said.

"It could become a problem in future for the Premier League."

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