Wenger not expecting pre-season buys
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he does not expect to strengthen his squad before Saturday’s league opener against Everton.
Wenger’s game of brinkmanship with Bordeaux over a fee for Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh remains unresolved, while the Frenchman appears to have shelved plans to bring former captain Patrick Vieira back to the club. With 20 days of the transfer window remaining, Wenger seems content to leave any purchases until after the weekend.
“Not at the moment, no,” said Wenger, when asked whether he was poised to add to the summer signing of Thomas Vermaelen. “We work always, but it would be pretentious to say that we signed anybody now before the season starts.”
Wenger has arguably weakened a team that only managed fourth place last season, by selling Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to Manchester City, but is adamant his squad is ready to compete.
“I am very optimistic about the season and I am very positive about this team. We always have to listen to peoples’ opinions, but you also have to trust what you see in the games and in training,” he added.
“Overall it was very positive preparation, and I believe we have shown quality in every game. It is unfortunate that now everybody goes away on international games, which is why we have to cross our fingers that everybody comes back in good shape. But overall, physically, everybody is ready to start.”
Gunners starlet Jack Wilshere, meanwhile, is in line for his England Under-21 debut tonight against Holland. Wilshere, 17, was drafted into Stuart Pearce’s squad yesterday when Birmingham’s Fabrice Muamba withdrew with an injury.