Chelsea paid over the top for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Torres arrived at Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day for a staggering £50 million – the fourth highest ever fee between two clubs.
Wenger believes that because of the last-minute nature of the deal, Chelsea paid 15 per cent more than they should have for a striker who hasn’t been at his best for 12 months.
The Arsenal boss said: “Torres was a last-minute transfer and, as a result, Chelsea had to pay for it.
“We can estimate that Chelsea paid an additional amount for Torres, about 15 per cent.”
The Spanish striker is yet to hit the back of the net for the Blues since his arrival – starting three of the last four matches.
But despite not scoring in last night’s win against Copenhagen, Torres is showing signs he is starting to settle in with his new club – something Wenger is particularly weary of.
He added: “Emotion and a lack of time saw the market value become inflated but, now, Chelsea could become even more dangerous.
“The trio of Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Torres represents a real danger.”
Arsenal face Stoke City tonight in what is expected to be a fiercely competed match.
It is the first time Stoke centre-half Ryan Shawcross will run out at the Emirates following his challenge on Aaron Ramsey last season – which left the young Welshman with a badly broken leg.
Arsenal fans are understood to be planning to blow whistles every time Shawcross touches the ball – although Wenger has warned against them doing this.
