Wenger confirms Arsenal will be ‘busy’ in January window

Rob Conlon
Arsene Wenger: Described Wembley stay as a "nightmare"

Arsene Wenger: Described Wembley stay as a "nightmare"

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal are more than likely to bring in new signings in the January transfer window to supplement their title charge.

Arsenal stayed top of the Premier League after Leicester could only manage a draw with Manchester City on Tuesday night but are riddled with injuries, especially in midfield.

Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Francis Coquelin, Tomas Rosicky, Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta are all currently sidelined, meaning defender Calum Chambers had to play central midfield in the 2-0 victory over Bournemouth.

FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny reportedly underwent a medical in Paris on Tuesday ahead of signing for the Gunners, but Wenger confirmed he needs more recruits.

“I’ve already said we are a bit short. We will be busy,” he said.

Despite their injury problems, Arsenal are now favourites for the title, with so many of their rivals faltering.

Wenger typically refused to get carried away with the club’s title chances, although he is optimistic they can end an 11-year wait for English football’s biggest prize.

“I’m confident. We fight to stay there. It’s a long way to go, it’s just halfway. Everyone wants to predict who can win it, but it’s only halfway,” the Frenchman said.

“We have to raise above that and show we can deal with all that [pressure]. We have to be guided by playing better football. We can have great solidarity in every game and we have a chance.

“You cannot rule us out. We are first after 19 games. We have a chance and want to fight for it. I believe we are mature enough. If a team is better than us then fair enough. But we must give everything.”

Arsenal host struggling Newcastle on Saturday in a match they will be big favourites to win.

The Magpies appeared to be on the up after back-to-back victories over Liverpool and Tottenham but have since fallen back into the relegation zone.

Wenger, however, insists the club need to stick by manager Steve McClaren.

“It is a long term job. It is impossible to transform a club of that stature in six months,” he said.

“Give him time. Newcastle is a very exciting project. It’s a huge club, great potential and give Steve McClaren time.

“Patience is not a quality we have much of in society, but in football you need it.”