• Premier League

Wenger: We have no need for Sahin

ESPN staff
August 25, 2012
Jack Wilshere missed all of last season with an ankle injury © Getty Images
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Arsene Wenger claims the impending return of Jack Wilshere dissuaded him from signing Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.

Liverpool confirmed they had reached a deal to sign the Turkey international on a season-long loan, appearing to have beaten their Premier League rivals in the race to sign the playmaker.

However, while Wenger will not be tempted to bring Wilshere back before he is ready, he believes Sahin would be surplus to requirements at Emirates Stadium as soon as Wilshere returns.

"He wouldn't necessarily be a replacement for [Alex] Song because Sahin isn't a defensive midfielder," Wenger said. "I see Sahin as not a deep, deep midfielder, but a little bit higher.

"We have Wilshere coming back quicker and he is a similar type of player. But of course Sahin wants to join a club where he will play. We have nine midfielders and they all need a chance to play."

Wilshere has not played in over a year, missing the whole of last season with an ankle injury which saw him miss Euro 2012 and the London Olympics.

"October will be an important month for Jack," Wenger said. "I will promise you that I will be careful, but Jack works very hard.

"Every day he is in early, late going home, is focused and has built up a good basis for his body. After how quick he will be sharp again for competition, I don't know. We will have to wait for at least a month to see that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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