Wenger: Cesc Not For Sale - Not Even For £135m

According to The Sun, Wenger said: "We won’t sell Cesc Fabregas even for £135million."

The Arsenal manager's irritation stems from the new City owners' declaration that they will chase a number of the world's biggest stars during the January transfer window.

Fabregas is high on Abu Dhabi United Group's list, as are the likes of Ronaldinho, Fernando Torres, Michael Essien and Cristiano Ronaldo.

It is the second tapping-up saga Ronaldo has been involved in since the end of last season, as Real Madrid pulled out every trick in the book in an attempt to lure the Portuguese winger away from Manchester United.

United's complaints were waved away by FIFA and no action looks likely to be taken over ADUG's proclamations, but Wenger believes transfer regulations must be enforced to the letter of the law.

"The rules are there. Let’s get them respected," said the Frenchman.

"You cannot come out and say ‘next week we pay £250,000 to Ronaldo and £135million’ when the player has a contract with Man United. It’s not possible or acceptable."

ADUG seized control of City on September 1 and wasted no time flaunting their wealth, securing the services of Robinho for an English record £32.5million.

The Brazilian forward initially appeared set to join Chelsea when a better offer came in from Eastlands shortly before the transfer window's close, resulting in considerable confusion as to who he had actually signed for.

The ever-increasing focus on money in the player market worries Wenger, whose top summer signing was £12million Samir Nasri.

"What is worrying is that a player signs somewhere and then the next day he does not even know where he has signed. You cannot say that is a good trend," he said.

"Football is not a supermarket. There is money in the game and I take it in a positive way.

"But the football bodies have to make sure money is ruled properly and used well for the ethic of the game."

Cecil Braun