• Champions League

Van Persie to start, Wenger rules out Gotze move

ESPN staff
November 22, 2011
Between the Lines: London FC

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Robin van Persie will start against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, but the Arsenal boss ruled out the possibility of any January signings.

Van Persie has been a leading light for the Gunners this season, most recently scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Norwich. In all, the Dutchman has netted 31 Premier League goals in the calendar year of 2011.

Wenger left his prized asset on the bench for Arsenal's most recent Champions League game, a 0-0 home draw with Marseille, but he confirmed Van Persie will start at the Emirates on Wednesday as the Gunners bid to secure their place in the knockout stages.

"Robin van Persie started last time on the bench because we had medical concerns," Wenger explained. "Tomorrow we have no medical concerns at all so that means he will start."

Arsenal will once again come face to face with Dortmund starlet Mario Gotze, who is reportedly the £30 million target of the London club. At 19 years of age, Gotze scored the winner for his club against Bayern Munich at the weekend, in front of two Arsenal scouts.

Gotze is believed to be Wenger's long-term solution to the losses of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, but the Arsenal boss insisted he has no plans to spend money during the January window.

"At the moment we are interested just in keeping our squad," said the Frenchman. "We have a big squad, we are not after anybody."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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