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'Don't expect miracles in January' - Wenger

Arsene Wenger does not expect to lose Nicklas Bendtner nor Denilson © Getty Images

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Arsene Wenger has told Arsenal fans not to expect a raft of new signings when the transfer window opens a week on Saturday.

Many Gunners supporters have been hoping that Wenger would delve into the transfer market for a new goalkeeper and a central defender to prop up their challenge at home and in Europe this season. But now it appears, as is usually the case with Wenger, that there are no big plans to strengthen.

The only player of note Wenger has signed in the winter window since 2006 is Andrei Arshavin, snapped up from Zenit St Petersburg at the very last moment in 2009.

Despite previous comments to suggest he would change his usual habit of keeping the chequebook in his pocket, Wenger told the club's official website: "It is not definite. It depends if somebody goes or not and whether we find on the market something that really gives us a plus - then we will of course not turn it down.

"Don't expect miracles in January. You have a high number of players who have played already in Europe and couldn't help us in the Champions League, and also clubs do not want to sell their best players.

"It's highly unlikely you find just the player you need in January. It's not about spending money, it's about finding just the right player to strengthen a squad that is already very strong.''

Wenger also denied he is considering offloading Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner, adding: "Most transfer rumours are created by agents or people who want to make some transfers."

He also believes that the Christmas fixtures could make a big difference to the title race, with the Gunners facing Chelsea and Manchester City at the Emirates in the next couple of weeks.

"At the moment, you play and you look around you, because you know that surprises can come from everywhere. We had another one on Monday night, Man City-Everton. I believe the first team who finds top-level consistency can make a difference. It's always very important at Christmas and let's hope we can do that.

"We have played at Man U, at Chelsea, at Liverpool, at Man City, and we know that our season is at the Emirates now. It is the home form against the big sides that can allow us to make the difference.''

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