• Premier League

Wenger open to making Benayoun deal permanent

ESPN staff
September 16, 2011
Yossi Benayoun made his first Arsenal start against Borussia Dortmund © Getty Images
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he is considering signing Yossi Benayoun on a permanent basis at the end of his current loan deal.

Benayoun joined the Gunners from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day, as Wenger scrambled to try and fill the gaps left by the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas. The Israel international made his first start for the club in the Champions League draw against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, and Wenger is happy to have the 31-year-old at his disposal.

Wenger hopes Benayoun will contribute like any other member of the squad while he is at the club on a temporary basis, but admits he will look at the possibility of a permanent deal being completed.

"It's too early to say at the moment [whether we will sign him], but I don't rule it out," Wenger said. "I want him to contribute as much as he can to the rest of the squad like every other player - not more, not less.

"Benayoun gives his best every time he plays and we think he can integrate well. He can play on both flanks. He can play in the middle, although I think he prefers to play on the wing.

"Overall he has shown on Tuesday night [against Borussia Dortmund] that he is completely physically fit again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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