Arsene Wenger dealt Arsenal fans the worst possible news by insisting he will not make any big name signings in the summer.

There have been strong calls for the Frenchman to give up on his trophy-less youth policy which is set to produce yet another barren campaign.

However, the Gunners boss finds no reason why he should.

Wenger was quoted as saying in The Sun: "The team average is 23 years old, why should we expect to have a huge turnover at the end of the season?

"There is always a need to improve the team but if you look at our season you cannot come to the conclusion we need big changes.

"That would be completely stupid because if we had beaten Liverpool and Tottenham this week we would be just two points behind Man United and we have to play them at home.

"And that's without speaking about being 4-0 up at Newcastle and then only drawing."

Even if Wenger wants to splash the cash in the summer, he is not sure how much will be available - despite reports that new owner Stan Kroenke has prepared a £40million war chest.

The 61-year-old added: "Is it available? Frankly I don't know.

"The only thing I can say is that the club is in a healthy financial situation and if needed to we can make a big transfer."

Arsenal are now third in the Barclays Premier League and six points behind leaders Manchester United with five games to play.

They travel to Bolton on Sunday.