• Premier League

Wenger's poker face hiding Arsenal transfer activity

ESPN staff
July 2, 2011
Arsene Wenger has been "very active" on the phone © PA Photos
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Arsene Wenger has assured Arsenal fans he has a transfer plan in place this summer, but like a poker match he is waiting for the right time to play his hand.

The bulk of Arsenal's transfer news so far during the summer window has involved big names leaving the Emirates. Cesc Fabregas is expected to join Barcelona, Gael Clichy appears to be heading to Manchester City, while the Gunners' top-four rivals are circling for Samir Nasri.

The only major incoming news has centred on Lille forward Gervinho, while Southampton's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also linked.

Wenger is remaining calm though, insisting his current silence does not reflect the work that is going on behind closed doors.

Local neighbours Tottenham recently spoke of the difficulty in the transfer market, with little action meaning funds cannot be raised for new players. Harry Redknapp spoke of his need to offload five names in order to achieve his own transfer targets.

Wenger is being frustrated by a similar situation, revealing he is awaiting activity among other clubs before swooping for new players.

"Currently, everyone is standing still," Wenger said. "Everyone expects everyone else to make the first move. Everyone holds on to their cards, hoping for the major transfer.

"Nobody blinks until late July, early August. Then we will analyse the gaps in each team.

"But I am very active on the phone."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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