Arsene Wenger uses Anthony Martial's €80m move to Manchester United to defend Arsenal's transfer inactivity this summer

Gunners manager says it is a representation of the current market

Monaco's French forward Anthony Martial celebrates (AFP/Getty)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended his inactivity in the transfer market by saying he has been left shocked by Manchester United paying up to €80m (£58m) for Anthony Martial.

The uncapped 19-year-old moved to Old Trafford on deadline day for an initial £36m, and is set to become the most expensive teenager in football history - including add-ons the fee could go up to £58m.

Wenger received much criticism from the Gunners faithful this summer for his lack of deals in the transfer market - only Petr Cech came in from Chelsea - and Wenger says that Martial's massive move sums up the transfer market at the moment.

"What happened last night with Monaco, who sold Martial to Manchester United for €80m (£58m), I’ve heard," Wenger said.

"Martial scored 11 goals in the French championship - that sums it up well. That means it's not the money that’s missing at the moment, it's not the desire of investment that is missing, it's the number of players available who can strengthen the big clubs.

"So am I happy with the investment I make? Yes, every time. I bought Sanchez, I bought Ozil, I bought Cech, I bought Gabriel last year.

"The problem at the moment is finding the players that guarantees you are a better team after, and that example last night shows you very well," Wenger told TV channel beIn Sports.

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"Martial is a huge talent - he's 19 years old. The investment is absolutely huge as well. It shows you that there's not many players in the world who can strengthen these teams."

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