Wenger admits Arsenal must buy a striker next month
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, accepts the loss of striker Robin van Persie means he will have to buy when the transfer window opens next month, but only at the right price.
Arsenal will be without their main creative attacking threat until at least April after the Netherlands forward suffered ankle ligament damage while on international duty which turned out to be worse than first thought. The absence of Van Persie – who had scored eight goals and created many more – was painfully clear as Arsenal failed to stretch the Chelsea defence in the 3-0 home defeat on Sunday.
Wenger may well now step up his interest in Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh next month, while Italian Under-21 international Mario Balotelli is another reported target. However, whichever player he eventually decides to move for, it will have to be on the right terms.
Asked if Van Persie's absence would now influence his thoughts for next month, the Arsenal manager replied: "It has to.
"I did not feel we were in need to buy anybody but we will be out on the market that is for sure - however, we will only make a decision if it suits us."
Arsenal should have forward Nicklas Bendtner back following groin surgery later this month. The Denmark striker did not pick up his injury while away with the national team but the manner in which players can be treated while playing for their countries leaves Wenger frustrated.
"We will not accept that situation to go on like that," he said. A player like [Abou] Diaby goes away and is injured and you cannot even get him back because they [France] decided to keep him. They knew from the first day on that he would never play for them but they didn't want to call another player up. So they decided to keep him and make everybody think he would play."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments