Wenger denies any interest in Mandzukic
ARSENE WENGER has dismissed speculation he is chasing Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic.
The Gunners boss admits he is in the market for a new front man with ankle victim Robin van Persie not expected to play again this season and Nicklas Bendtner out since the end of October.
Mandzukic, 23, has shot to prominence at Dinamo Zagreb since former team-mate Eduardo made the move to the Emirates Stadium in 2007.
But Wenger insists Mandzukic will not be following suit. “No,” replied Wenger when asked if the reports were true. “You will hear a few names until the end of the transfer window without there being any truth in it.”
Despite this lack of firepower, Wenger’s side are still very much in the Premier League title race and can actually top the table tonight if they beat Bolton by two or more goals at the Emirates.
The good news for the Gunners boss is that Theo Walcott and Denilson are back for tonight’s clash – and Wenger is now hoping he has seen the back of the injury curse which has plagued him this term. “It’s strange because the more injuries you get, you seem to get even more because you always play the same players,” he said. “Also, you rush some players back and then you have more chance to get them injured again.”
Wenger has admitted, however, that defender Phillippe Senderos could be on his way to Celtic.
The Swiss international has fallen even lower down the pecking order at Arsenal with Sol Campbell’s arrival, and Wenger says a move north of the border is likely. “There is an interest from Celtic, yes,” he added. “It may happen. We have Sol Campbell and we have four centre-backs.”