Arsene Wenger. Photo: Catherine Etoe

Published: 29 August, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger has ruled out a manic, last-minute, trolley-dash as the pressure mounts on the Arsenal boss to make signings before Monday’s transfer deadline.

The Frenchman was heavily criticised two years ago when a late raid on the market saw Andre Santos, Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker and Park Chu-Young all added to the squad on the final day of the transfer window.

Fans were unhappy with the quality brought in, especially as they were still dealing with the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

With that in mind supporters will be glad to hear that not only is Wenger still planning to spend but only players boasting “quality” and “versatility” will make it onto his shopping list.

“That is the key words – ‘the right additions’,” he said. “That is what I work at – the right additions. It is not just about additions.

“If you look at the players, you see Rosicky, Cazorla, Ramsey, Wilshere … so to find better players you have to travel.

“We need a player who can play in different positions in midfield because at the moment we are a little bit stretched.

“Attitude and focus are also important, the mental aspect in the modern game is vital. You have to be completely focused for 90 minutes.”

Wenger says that the nature of the transfer market has changed a great deal since he came to England in 1996, and that the changes have made it hard for him to add to his numbers.

“The market has been difficult for two reasons,” he explained. “One, I already have quality players and, two, the competition for players is absolutely massive in the international market.

“Before we were privileged – we were a bit more lonely out there. Now everybody knows everybody and it is more difficult.”