Arsene Wenger: 'Brexit will affect Premier League'

Arsene Wenger watches on during the Premier League game between West Ham United and Arsenal on April 9, 2016
© Getty Images
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that he is worried about the long-term effect the UK's exit from the European Union could have on the Premier League.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed concerns over the long-term impact that the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union could have on the Premier League.

The UK last month voted in favour of withdrawing its membership from the EU, prompting FA chairman Greg Dyke to suggest that the Premier League could be affected by the decision over the coming years.

Wenger also fears that leaving the EU will have a negative impact on England's top flight as it could reduce the appeal of the division to players and broadcasters alike.

"It worries me, it shocks me too. Nobody knows how exactly this is going to translate into a practical plan. Nobody really knows where we are going. But the shock, is that we discover that in England there is a majority of people who want to leave the European Union. The players will see their wages come down a bit and the competition with Germany, for example, will be stronger," he told France Football.

"In my opinion, it is overwhelmingly in the long-term that there are questions to be answered. The way in which England will leave the European Union will dictate the future of the Premier League. If the league becomes less attractive, the broadcasters will offer less money for the rights, club revenues will decrease and the Premier League will suffer the consequences. There lies the problem.

"We thought that one day the best players from Real and Barca would say 'I also want to go to England because everyone is over there'. All of that is now uncertain and Brexit is a spanner in the works. It will have consequences, not in the very short term, but in the long term, yes. The big English clubs have the means to keep hold of their biggest assets. The most important thing lies elsewhere. Currently, the league is seen as the most attractive one and that image could disappear."

Arsenal have already completed deals to sign Granit Xhaka and Takuma Asano this summer.

A general view of the outside of the stadium ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on May 20, 2015
Read Next:
Arsenal agree deal to sign young Japanese forward
>