Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has opened up on his failed moves for Leicester City pairing Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.

The Gunners boss discussed the two stars in a press conference in which he admitted the will of the players was crucial.

‘You have to respect decisions of people,’ Wenger told reporters. ‘That’s part of it. In every transfer market you have one or two with decisions to make and you have to respect them.’

Wenger insists he was more than willing to spend the big money but only on players he thought were of suficeint quality.

‘Look at the whole market. Very little happens. It’s about the availability of players. Huge amounts can be spent on average players. On Vardy, you should ask him that question. I cannot answer for him,’ he added.

Leicester playmaker Riyad Mahrez confirmed he would be staying with the foxes when he signed a new four-year deal with club on Wednesday, thereby following the likes of Vardy who had signed a new contract back in June.

‘I don’t want to speak individually about players. He has been outstanding if you look at his numbers. He was top three in terms of goals and assists. He had the best combination in the league,’ Wenger admitted.

The Arsenal boss has added just one major signing this window, which came in the form of defensive midfielder Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal will be in action against Leicester in their second Premier League game on Saturday.

The match will be played at the King Power Stadium.

Kick-off is at 18:30.