Arsenal boss holds fire on new buys

Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is an admirer of Fulham defender Chris Smalling but ruled out a move to sign the England under-21 international before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

The Arsenal manager has already re-signed veteran Sol Campbell, who is expected to play in Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Stoke, and believes he has enough cover at centreback.

“He is a player we know, yes, but there is no truth in (the transfer rumours) at the moment,” Wenger said. “Maybe in the future. At the moment is at the moment. I never rule anything out.”

The Frenchman also voiced optimism that Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner could be back from injury in time for Manchester United’s visit to the Emirates on January 31, which will further increase his reluctance to make any new signings this month.

“It is very difficult in January to find players who are available for the Champions League, who are just good enough to play for Arsenal and at the right price,” Wenger said. “You never know, but at the moment it is unlikely.”

Wenger meanwhile has claimed double standards have been applied to his squad in the debate over a William Gallas’ tackle on Bolton midfielder Mark Davies in Wednesday’s 4-2 win at the Emirates.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle had described the challenge, which left Davies writhing in pain while Arsenal continued a move that was to lead to a goal that levelled the score at 2-2.

But Coyle backtracked from that stance on Friday and said he now agrees with Wenger’s view that the challenge was simply mistimed.

Wenger said he could not understand why one misjudged tackle could have triggered such a furore while the rough treatment his side sometimes receives leads to questions about their resilience.

“Some people say before the games, ‘we know how to play Arsenal. we have to kick them’ – and nobody in the whole country is absolutely upset by that,” Wenger said.

“I am always absolutely amazed that people get away with that.

“When we get kicked and lose the game, the question I get from the press is ‘oh, you did not fancy that.’ Nobody is upset or shocked.

“They find when we are kicked, it is absolutely all right.”

The win over Bolton sent Arsenal to the top of the table and, with league matches against Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool coming up, Wenger may opt to rest a number of players this weekend.

Abou Diaby (calf) and Bacary Sagna (shoulder) are both carrying minor injuries and either Gallas or Thomas Vermaelen will make way for Campbell.

Stoke are likely to be at full strength after Abdoulaye Faye and Rory Delap shook off knocks that led to them being substituted in their 1-1 draw with Liverpool last weekend.