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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he will look to strengthen his squad in January, with the priority being a defensive midfielder to cover his current injury problems in the position, according to ESPN. Wenger will be missing his first choice midfielder, Francis Coquelin for 12 weeks after suffering a knee injury during his side’s 2-1 loss at West Bromwich Albion.
There are worrying signs in and around the Gunners camp as injuries continue to pile up. Coquelin and club captain Mikel Arteta are the latest names to be included in the casualty list along with Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck who are still on the road to recovery.
Wenger has now turned to Mathieu Flamini to step up in the absence of his compatriot and also believes youngster Calum Chambers is capable of playing in the defensive midfield role. However, he has admitted that he will be on the look-out for a ‘top quality player’ in that particular position in the upcoming January transfer window.
“We are in a position where we want to do something,” Wenger said in a news conference.
“If I find the right quality, I will do something.”
Everybody loves a bargain: Wenger
When asked about the Black Friday shopping day, the former AS Monaco boss was left puzzled but stressed that he was always on the lookout for a bargain.
“No, I don’t know what it is,” he admitted.
“For us, a bargain is to buy players of top quality, because only top quality strengthens our squad.”
“I bought Patrick Vieira for £2.5m and it was a top bargain because he was a top quality player.”
“We spent £40m on Özil but I still consider it a bargain because the player is top quality. I love a bargain.”
“Who does not love a bargain? I don’t know many people that don’t like a bargain.”
Wenger impressed with the in-form midfield maestro Ozil
The Frenchman has praised his playmaker Mesut Ozil for his recent performances in the famous red and white shirt. The World Cup winner has 11 assists and three goals in all competitions so far this season.
“In his first season, there was a lot of scepticism around him,” Wenger added.
“The quality of his performances have turned opinions. He now has the support of everybody who loves Arsenal.”
“What is interesting about Mesut’s game is that he is not only a provider now. He likes to get on the end of the things.”
“What he has added to his game is the runs into the box. He played before like he was not too much obsessed [by goals] and more by providing.”
“I think he has a much better balance in his game now – giving, assisting and scoring.”
