KUALA LUMPUR - DO NOT expect Arsenal to do a Real Madrid. The Gunners will not break the bank to sign players on world-record deals - simply because they cannot afford it.

When asked to comment on Kaka's 65 million euros(S$131 million) Monday move from Italian club AC Milan to the Spanish giants, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger deadpanned: 'Yes, Kaka just signed. So he won't play for Arsenal.'

But then came this revelation:

'No, for sure we won't spend this kind of money because we don't have it,' said the Frenchman, who is known for his preference for developing youngsters.

In Kuala Lumpur as automotive lubricants company Castrol's global ambassador, Wenger told The Straits Times that, while the amount may appear huge, it is relative. He spent a night in Singapore and will fly to Europe today.

'Is it too much or not? It depends on the guy who buys Kaka for 65 million euros, who makes the calculation,' said Wenger, who was in Real's shortlist of managers before they appointed Chilean Manuel Pellegrini last week.

'Is it worth or not financially? I don't know how they can afford such an investment. But they certainly have.

'Real Madrid have funds available of 200 million euros, maybe, they say. But they are not wrong with the player because, for me, the player is top, top, top class.

'I can understand how it hurts people to see this kind of money being spent, but you can be sure that the guy who spends the money will try and get it back.'

Real topped financial analyst Deloitte's Football Money League this year, with total revenue for the 2007/08 season at 365.8 million euros, and one can be sure the club will be cashing in on new signings such as Kaka.

Real also attracted an average attendance of 73,157 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.