Wenger in search of new signing

Arsene Wenger admits he needs "one more body" in his Arsenal midfield - but has refused to be drawn on whether that would be Gareth Barry.

Wenger: Wants to strengthen Arsenal's midfield
Wenger: Wants to strengthen Arsenal's midfield

The Gunners fielded a youthful side for the first match of their pre-season training camp in Austria against Hungarian side Szombathelyi Haladas on Tuesday, which finished 1-1 and saw Mexican teenager Carlos Vela make his debut.

Wenger has seen his options in the middle of the park depleted following the departures of Mathieu Flamini, veteran Brazilian Gilberto and winger Alexander Hleb.

While youngsters Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri have arrived, Wenger is looking to add an experienced head before the transfer window closes next month.

However, the Arsenal manager would not go into specific targets, with wantaway Barry - booed by Aston Villa fans in their friendly at Walsall - rated around £18million which could prove too high a price tag for the Gunners.

"We will need one more body in there," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"At the moment we do not have Alex Song who is going to the Olympic games, Abou Diaby was not here [against Szombathelyi] and nor was [Cesc] Fabregas.

"If we find a reasonable target then we will do it - but there is no special name on the list.

"We have some time. We have until August 31."

Arsenal will play a Burgenland XI in Ritzing, Austria on Monday night before meeting Stuttgart on July 30 - a match which could see veteran German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann face his old club.

Wenger is happy enough with the squad's preparations so far for the new season, which will begin with a Champions League qualifier on August 12/13.

"We integrated three games into our training camp and this was the first," he said.

"Of course the international players were not here, but it was a good test."

Wenger also insisted it was business as usual concerning Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has so far sent out mixed messages over his future amid suggestions of a lucrative move away from Emirates Stadium.

"I speak to everybody. We don't make a case of anybody especially," Wenger maintained.

"We prepare as a team and we focus on preparing well. Adebayor is like everybody else."

The Arsenal manager added: "The day we sell someone we will inform you like we always did.

"As for the rest we will not go into individual happenings on the football market. Otherwise we would never finish."

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Your Comments

mss2177 (Arsenal fan)

"AW has two or three targets in mind and i think when they eventually do bring them in we all will be suprised as to the cost and who it is. I think Velosa is a certainty to come another wide man and a centre back to fortify our defense. I really dont think AW will chase another striker as getting Eduardo back will be like getting another one anyway only if Ade goes will he try for another one and if he does expect him to be a big target man as we really dont have another of the size of Ade. TOO THE DOUBTERS! Every year us true supporters hear the same dribble from you and the only thing AW hasnt done is win every trophy we could possibly win but how many managers can say they seriously compete with every class team in the world and dominate with our style of football like we do. to have the top managers praise AW and say how great a job he does here is also testament to the job he does and for you simple people who couldnt get a job cleaning our teams boots with your limited knowledge of the running of a football club go and support someone else or trust in the good job he does do. Question to the doubters give me the names of three managers who could do the job better and who would seriously come here if AW left. lets get a open forum on it and see what you all come up with."

lettraggad (Arsenal fan)

"Caligula (Chelsea fan) Thanks im confident , that your team would to. "

vezvaler (Aston Villa fan)

"I think at least some Arsenal fans would be happy for the team to pay 18 million to get a chance to sing again "Ooh Aah Ray Parlour"."

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