Arsene Wenger broke down the widespread misconception that he never spends big on his players when he brought down Mesut Ozil for £42.5million two seasons ago, but the midfielder has now opened up to German media outlet Express about his transfer fee.

When he was asked to comment on the transfer fee that Manuel Pellegrini had paid for Kevin de Bruyne, he stated that any player rated above £36.8million could be deemed to be overpriced and added that football could soon lose traction with reality in the event of clubs failing to put an end to this trend.

 "No individual around the world is worth €50m. That's why in football we have to be careful to not lose our grip on reality and it is also important that, through the opportunities football offers, we do good and help."

The Gunners are clubbed alongside Bayern Munich, Olympiakos and Dynamo Zagreb in the group stages of the Champions League. When he was quizzed about the chances of their German opponents clinching the trophy, he branded them as one of the favourites.

“I have come here not to compliment Bayern Munich, but it is obvious that they are one of the strongest teams in the world and can defeat anyone. I think they have a chance to lift the Champions League trophy as they are in the narrow circle of favourites.”

After being dropped against Tottenham Hotspur in the fiery Capital One Cup contest in which his best pal Mathieu Flamini scored a brace, he can be expected to feature against Leicester this weekend.