Hill-Wood backs Wenger with cash

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Wenger's side head into Sunday's derby clash with Chelsea a daunting 10 points behind their table-topping London rivals, and lie outside the top four after a difficult start to the new campaign.

However Hill-Wood insists that despite the ongoing financial crisis, Wenger will have money to spend, should he need it, saying: "Absolutely. There have been suggestions that we keep stopping him from buying - that is not the case."

He added: "He's very sensible with the way he approaches the transfer market, he's not going to buy anybody just because the press or fans say he should. He's only going to buy somebody if he thinks they're going to improve what is a young squad but a very talented one.

"He certainly has got money if he wants to spend it."

Arsenal have already lost five times in the Barclays Premier League, including a 3-0 humbling at Manchester City last weekend.

Their struggles have led to criticism of Wenger, with claims that his preference for youth and talent over experience and muscle has turned the Gunners into a soft touch.

Despite previous claims from the Emirates Stadium hierarchy that he has a substantial transfer kitty to spend, the French manager has generally opted to nurture his own players rather than bring in proven stars.

Given the chasm that already exists between Arsenal and the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, Hill-Wood has also admitted the club's best chance of glory may now lie in the Champions League.

He said: "I certainly want to finish in the top four in the league, and perhaps (win) the Champions League."