He also accused Real Madrid - who continue to lavish large sums despite a debt running into 10s of millions - of "cheating".

The Gunners chief insists he is not tempted by the lure of a bottomless pocket in Italy or Spain because he says he relishes the freedom which he would not have working under powerful club presidents in continental Europe.

Wenger told France Football: "I would have a pile of gold at my disposal but I would have less responsibility than I do at Arsenal.

"To take Batistuta at that price when he is 32 years old is a heresy, financially speaking, because you cannot re-sell him.

"It's indefensible unless the president tells the coach: 'You take whoever you want, and we don't care about the economic interest of the club'. It's like playing poker.

"As for Real Madrid, who are always recruiting even though they are considerably in debt, it's quite simply cheating."

Wenger will not sign a new contract with Arsenal until the dispute over the transfer market is resolved.

But he suggests a collapse in the present system would prompt him to look for an international post.

"For the time being, England is the best place to work in world football," Wenger added.

"I want to continue here for as long as it pleases me and as long as people are happy with me.

"If it does become a lottery and players move clubs several times a season it would be time to do something else like take over a national team."