Thursday, 21st August, 2014
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is sceptical over whether the quality players he wants to sign before the closure of the transfer window are available.
Wenger is in the market for a new centre-back, following the sale of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, while a defensive midfielder and potentially a striker have also been mooted as on the Frenchman's radar.
But while Wenger is not opposed to making signings, he feels the types of players he wants may not be available, as every one of the world's top 20 clubs are chasing the same players.
"We have the players we want but we are open as well to any opportunity until the end of the transfer window, who can strengthen our defensive department in quality and number", he said via his club's site.
"I can’t tell you how likely I am [to make a signing], I just said I am open to doing it. It has to be linked with the needed quality.
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"If you ask today the 20 top clubs in the world what they look for, they all look for the same positions. That means it is not necessarily out there."
Arsenal's need for a midfielder could be intensified if captain Mikel Arteta is ruled out for an extended period.
The Spaniard picked up an ankle injury during a 0-0 draw against Besiktas earlier this week and Wenger is awaiting the results of a scan.
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