Arsene has £15m for Bred splash

ARSENE WENGER will test the backing of the Arsenal board with a £15million move for Fulham defender Brede Hangeland.

The unhappy Gunners boss has been offered the club’s ‘unequivocal support by chief executive Ivan Gazidis following a long meeting this week.

And now Wenger intends to cash in on promises of financial backing by making a club record bid for a defender.

Wenger is still angry that he has been blamed by fans for refusing to spend big money in the transfer market.

The Frenchman feels he has been left to carry the can by a board that promises major funds for new signings but rarely delivers.

He will not back down in his pursuit of Norway international Hangeland and expects Arsenal to meet Fulham’s asking price.

The 27-year-old cost just £3.7m from Danish side FC Copenhagen 18 months ago.

But 6ft 4in Hangeland’s value has rocketed this season on the back of solid performances.

Now Wenger believes he is just the man he needs to plug the holes in his leaky defence.

The Gunners chief knows opposite number Roy Hodgson will not easily part with the defender, who still has two years left on his Fulham contract.

But the hard-up Cottagers are in no position to turn down £15m and Wenger has made it clear he sees this issue as a test of Arsenal’s commitment to challenge for major honours next season.