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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9358589.stm

Arsenal have been held up as a shining example by Uefa as European football's governing body prepares to implement tough new financial restrictions.

From the 2011-12 season, clubs must break-even over a rolling three-year period or risk a possible ban from Uefa European competitions.

Uefa compared Arsenal's approach to that of clubs with super-rich owners.

"What model waits for a knight rider on a horse and then rides away?" said Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's meticulous and sensible approach to spending has helped the north Londoners strengthen their finances over the last 10 years, as some of their rivals' own position has weakened.

Having moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2006, Arsenal now turn over more than £300m a year (including revenue from property sales) and made a pre-tax profit of £35m in 2009.

"Ten years ago Arsenal reported less income than Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle," Infantino added. "Now it is more than those clubs and in 2009 more than double Newcastle's.

"This shows what is possible with good management and careful investment."

In recent years, the Premier League has seen an influx of wealthy foreign businessmen acquiring control of clubs and embarking on lavish spending on players.

This has left some at risk of failing to adhere to Uefa's impending restrictions.

With recent losses of £121m, Manchester City would appear to be the English club with most to do to satisfy Uefa's rules, although one respected football financial blogger has suggested how the club could break-even.

City, who have embarked on an unprecedented spending in the wake of the 2009 takeover of the club by billionaire Arab tycoon Sheikh Mansour, have already sent club officials for talks with European football's governing body to discuss how they can comply with new regulations.

Uefa's head of licensing Andrea Traverso stated: "We are in talks with the club, they are aware of the rules and they probably have a strategy to raise their income."

Having moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2006, Arsenal now turn over more than £300m a year (including revenue from property sales) and made a pre-tax profit of £35m in 2009.

"Ten years ago Arsenal reported less income than Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle," Infantino added. "Now it is more than those clubs and in 2009 more than double Newcastle's.

"This shows what is possible with good management and careful investment."

In recent years, the Premier League has seen an influx of wealthy foreign businessmen acquiring control of clubs and embarking on lavish spending on players.

This has left some at risk of failing to adhere to Uefa's impending restrictions.

With recent losses of £121m, Manchester City would appear to be the English club with most to do to satisfy Uefa's rules, although one respected football financial blogger has suggested how the club could break-even.

City, who have embarked on an unprecedented spending in the wake of the 2009 takeover of the club by billionaire Arab tycoon Sheikh Mansour, have already sent club officials for talks with European football's governing body to discuss how they can comply with new regulations.

Uefa's head of licensing Andrea Traverso stated: "We are in talks with the club, they are aware of the rules and they probably have a strategy to raise their income."