• Premier League

Wenger intends to be busy in January

ESPN staff
December 29, 2012
Theo Walcott's performances as a central striker have encouraged Arsene Wenger © PA Photos
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is ready to make a number of new additions to his squad in the upcoming January transfer window.

Widespread reports in Saturday's British newspapers suggest Wenger will launch a bid to sign out-of-favour Manchester United winger Nani in the coming days, with Crystal Palace starlet Wilfried Zaha also believed to be on his shopping list.

"Yes, I will be busy in January," Wenger said. "I don't feel under pressure to name names because the media find them on your own, but the difficulty is to find players that will strengthen us. Finding the right players available on the market is not always easy.

"Manchester United bought Robin van Persie for £24m and he is 29. They have scouts all over the world so don't think they just came in and bought Van Persie. They looked everywhere else first, but to find the quality of striker that would strengthen a top Premier League team at the moment is difficult."

A move for winger Nani will be viewed by many as a prelude to Theo Walcott's departure from Arsenal, but Wenger continues to insist he is not expecting the 23-year-old to leave in January after suggesting he has a future in his preferred central striker's role if he signs a new contract.

"I like the signs that I have seen from Theo and it is no surprise to me to see him do well in the central role," Wenger said. "I always said that one day he would play through the middle and the idea grew in his brain.

"He is now 23, which is the same age that I decided to play Thierry Henry through the middle. You have to learn a lot before you can play this role and Theo has learned a lot. On the wing you need a shorter technique against the line. Once you play in the middle you can go on both sides.

"Let's not put him under pressure. Theo has played two games in the central position, so it is a little early to compare him to Thierry, but he gives him advice. Theo understands very quickly when you tell him something and that's why I think he can do very well in this position. If he takes this chance it's good and if he doesn't, he will still be a fantastic winger."

Meanwhile, Wenger has confirmed he is ready to allow Andrei Arshavin and Marouane Chamakh leave Arsenal next month.

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