Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech all joined Arsenal because of Arsene Wenger according to club CEO Ivan Gazidas.

Wenger has come under criticism this season after a poor start to the Champions League this season and not investing in any outfield players but Gazidas has defended the Gunners managers decisions.

Gazidas also underlined that the board would release funds for transfers whenever requested by Wenger.

“Özil, Sanchez and Cech show how the board will release funds for signings at any point,” Gazidis was quoted as saying in the Metro.

“You don’t sign players like Ozil and Sanchez unless you have ambition to win the league and you don’t sign them without Wenger.”

Ozil joined Arsenal on a record £42.5 million transfer from Real Madrid in 2013 and Sanchez joined on a big money move from Barcelona the following season.

The Gunners are currently second in the league after beating Manchester United 3-0 in their last game at the Emirates. Arsenal are just two points off leaders Manchester City.

The North London based club take on Watford next away from home in the league.