Arsene Wenger 'dizzy' at size of transfer fees

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger saw his new signing Gervinho sent off at St James' Park (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsene Wenger may be left "dizzy" by the current inflated prices of the transfer market, but may be left with no option other than take a cut-price deal for want-away Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and then stump up the cash for his targets.

The Gunners continued their pre-season build-up with a 2-1 win over Cologne in Germany, where new forward Gervinho netted a quickfire brace in his first appearance since an £11million move from Lille.

Fabregas, though, was again conspicuous by his absence, officially left behind to work on fitness following a troublesome hamstring, with a Barcelona delegation in London looking to push through a deal to bring their former trainee back to the Nou Camp.

Arsenal, though, remain determined not to let the World Cup winner leave on the cheap, demanding a £40m package, which could include midfielder Thiago as a makeweight.

Wenger is also expected to further strengthen his defence before the transfer window closes, but Arsenal will have to significantly improve their £10m offer to land Everton's England centre-back Phil Jagielka.

"When you see all the fees around you become dizzy. We do what we want and we look first at the quality of the player and after if we have the money we spend it," Wenger told www.arsenal.com.

"In Gervinho's case, he wanted to join us. He had only one year on his contract so it was a good opportunity for us."

Gervinho should feature again in the Emirates Cup this weekend.

Theo Walcott feels the Ivory Coast forward can add a new dimension to Arsenal's frontline.

He said: "Gervinho will be a breath of fresh air. He looks a great talent.

"You can tell he can bring goals, he has got plenty of pace about him and he is very comfortable on the ball."

Arsenal kick off the new Barclays Premier League season at Newcastle, where on their last visit Wenger's men blew a 4-0 lead.

Walcott accepts after the frustrating end to the previous campaign, the Gunners have to last the distance in 2011/2012.

"As players we are disappointed in ourselves, but that is in the past now. This year is a massive one for everyone, for the club itself," he said.