Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that he has been reluctant to spend big during his tenure due to his desire to lead the club sustain long-term success.

The Frenchman has been criticised for his lack of activity in the transfer market compared to the Gunners' rivals over the past few years, although he did spend big to land the signatures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

Wenger has admitted that he has opted to preserve his side's cash to ensure that Arsenal are still able to compete at the top of the Premier League when he leaves the club.

He is quoted as saying by The Mirror: "I'll give myself merit for one thing - I've always treated Arsenal as if it belonged to me. I have sometimes been criticised for it — because I am not enough of a spender, not carefree enough.

"I credit myself for having had the courage to apply my ideas and fight for them. Aside from that, I can understand why people might not agree. My great pride will be to be able to say the day that I leave, that I am leaving behind a good team, a healthy situation and a club capable of performing in the future.

"I could have said to myself, 'I am here for four or five years, we win everything', [then] I leave and leave the club on the verge of bankruptcy. For me, consistency at the highest level is the true sign of great clubs."

Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League in their chase to win the title for the first time in 12 years.