Carlos Tevez, Oscar, Axel Witsel and Jon Obi Mikel. These are just four international players to have made big-money moves to China during this January transfer window.
Given the level of investment in the country, more are expected to follow, but Arsène Wenger has warned the Chinese Football Association that it will take more than just high-profile signings to develop a competitive structure.
“You do not create a top league overnight, it demands years of hard work and culture,” the manager said. “Professional football in England was created 150 years ago but we still struggle!”
“I believe it’s a slow process of creating a football culture.