• Premier League

We've improved despite Cesc & Nasri loss - Wenger

ESPN staff
September 9, 2011
Arsene Wenger is set to move again for Gary Cahill © PA Photos
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Arsene Wenger claims that the Arsenal squad is now stronger than it was before the exit of key duo Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

Following the departures of Nasri and Fabregas - and the 8-2 mauling at Manchester United - Wenger was highly active in the final days of the transfer window, bringing in Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos, Mikel Arteta, Yossi Benayoun and Park Chu-Young.

"The squad is stronger, if you look at the squad we have now and you imagine [Jack] Wilshere and [Abou] Diaby coming back, and [Thomas] Vermaelen, I think we have a more mature squad," Wenger said.

The signing of Mertesacker, an experienced Germany international, came after Wenger was foiled in his attempts to sign Bolton defender Gary Cahill, whose contract runs out at the end of this season. Wenger has revealed his admiration for Cahill, suggesting he may return for the player next year.

"Personally I like Cahill as a player," Wenger said. "Both are good players, Mertesacker is more experienced internationally, Cahill is a young international English player - both would have done well for us."

Arteta and Benayoun are expected to be heavily involved as Arsenal look to kick-start their season at home to Swansea on Saturday, and Wenger has warned both that they will not be allowed any bedding-in period.

"I expect a big impact [from Arteta], and as well from Benayoun because they are players I rate highly for their technical quality," Wenger said. "For me they are mobile and technically gifted, and that's the game we want to play."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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