Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given his backing to Brazil and China, explaining that if the two emerging economic powers have the desire to host some of the best players in world football, then they can.

 

Brazil has seen itself increasingly able to keep hold of talents for longer, with the continued stay of Santos striker Neymar standing as the perfect example, while China has begun to snaffle up ageing stars from Europe.

 

In January, Nicolas Anelka headed to the Chinese Super League and in recent months Didier Drogba, Frederic Kanoute, Seydou Keita and Yakubu have joined the Frenchman in the country; former Italy coach Marcello Lippi is also working in China, as boss of Guangzhou Evergrande.

 

For Wenger there is little doubt that this is all to do with increased economic power and he believes the flows of talent and players could grow even further.

 

"Usually, sport follows the economic power, and the economic power is moving at the moment from Europe to China and Brazil", Wenger told Arsenal’s official site.

 

"These countries, if they have the desire, they will have the players.

 

"The history is in Europe – but how long can we resist the power of China if they really want to develop football? The future will tell."

 

One thing against both Brazil and China however is the lack of a continental competition with power and competing teams comparable to the Champions League; although the Copa Libertadores fills a role for the former, not all of South America’s side are experiencing a Brazil-style financial boom.

 

Latest Features: