• Premier League

Wenger sets sights on two new signings

Arsene Wenger wants to add to his options at Arsenal © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: M'Bengue claims Arsenal interest
  
• News: Cazorla calls for immediate reinforcements
  
• News: No Spurs bid for Chamakh
  
• News: Song completes Barcelona switch
  

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is hoping to make two more signings this summer - with one of them expected to be Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.

The Gunners have lost both Robin van Persie and Alex Song this summer - with Song completing his switch to Barcelona on Monday. Wenger admitted over the weekend that he would look to draft in a midfield replacement for the Cameroon international, with Sahin widely tipped to arrive on loan for the season.

Wenger has now offered more insight into his transfer plans - revealing he also wants to add a defender to his ranks.

"We are looking to bring one more midfielder in of course, and maybe one defender as well because we still feel we are short in some positions," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

Injuries to Bacary Sagna and Laurent Koscielny have left Wenger with a slight shortage of defensive options, especially at right-back.

Arsenal struggled to find the net against Sunderland on the opening day, drawing 0-0 at Emirates Stadium.

While Wenger admitted some disappointment at the display, defender Per Mertesacker is adamant new boy Lukas Podolski - and the rest of the side - will soon gel.

"It was tough for him [Podolski] because it was his first game up front," Mertesacker said. "I think he will get used to the game, switch on quickly and score a lot for us.

"You have seen that he has a good technique and he is good in possession. We have the players who can pass him the ball. He is a good finisher too and we will see that in a couple of weeks.

"We saw a lot of misunderstandings, especially in the first half. One guy maybe wanted the one-two, the other in behind. So we need a bit of time, especially with the new players.

"We had a few new players who were playing their first game over 90 minutes. But I think it is coming."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.