Wenger concentrates on football matters

The Gunners' preparations for tomorrow's opening Champions League clash against Sevilla at Emirates Stadium were overshadowed by the news Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov has increased his shareholding in the club.

The purchase - which was announced this morning to the Stock Exchange - makes Usmanov's investment company, Red and White Holdings Limited, Arsenal's second-largest shareholder behind director Danny Fiszman.

Despite the continued speculation this latest move is likely to lead to a formal takeover and the possible return of former vice-chairman David Dein, who left the club last season after a rift with the board over the role of American investor Stan Kroenke, the Gunners boss insists nothing has changed in terms of his day-to-day responsibilities to keep the players focused on the job in hand.

Wenger said: "We are in a position where, at the moment, I don't feel there is anything big moving around the club or uncertainty surrounding the ownership.

"For me, it looks to be settled, the situation at the club.

"The directors don't need to reassure me because they have already come out and said they don't need to sell."

Wenger added: "You are here in London Colney (where Arsenal's training ground is based) - here is the real football of the club. You can look around and see no-one who is interfering.

"We are focused on the game, preparing for the game and that is all we need.

"The happiness is linked to having a good football team which plays good football and I can work the way I like.

"It is a good feeling when you wake up in the morning and are happy to go to your job and that is what is happening for me.

"I drive out here every day, we are happy to do what we do and the board help make that possible."

Wenger - who earlier this month signed a new three-year deal with Arsenal - added: "Of course you care who is on the board because some people are more intrusive than others.

"But the tradition at Arsenal Football Club has always been for a manager to do his work like he wants to do it. That is the tradition of the club."

Another "tradition" which Wenger has instilled since his arrival at the north London club a decade ago is a first-class global scouting network and the development of young talent.

One such player to have benefited from Wenger's guidance has been Cesc Fabregas.

The 20-year-old Spain midfielder has taken over the mantle from former talisman Thierry Henry to become the key man for Arsenal this season.

Fabregas has netted five goals - already more than the whole of last season - including a fine strike in the 3-1 win at arch-rivals Tottenham on Saturday.

Wenger believes the best is yet to come from the former Barcelona trainee, whom he has likened to French superstar Michel Platini, a former double world footballer of the year and triple European player of the year.

"Fabregas is young and he has to improve. That is all he has to do and let other people judge how good he is," said Wenger.

"I have played him since he was 16 so I must believe he is good.

"He has not to worry too much about how other people see him. He must worry more about how he can develop."

Wenger reflected: "His vision is comparable to Platini. It is a compliment.

"He is at the start of his career and we know that Platini has made his career. Cesc has it all in front of him, but he has a vision.

"He will still develop. I remember Platini was more of a striker and Cesc is more of a midfielder.

"He is adding that element to his game, but Platini had more of a striker mentality.

"He could stay quiet for a game thinking 'I will score a goal'.

Cesc is a guy who likes to be at the heart of things. It is not the same position and not the same psychology."

Wenger feels Fabregas has the burning desire to become, like Platini, one of the finest of his generation.

"In the heart of every player is the belief that he will be best player in the world. That keeps him going. It is like that with Cesc and [Steven] Gerrard - everybody.

"Everybody must have that belief - but is more important to make the maximum out of your talent, that is how you gain respect."