Wenger in search for quality

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has promised to seek quality over quantity this summer, but only for the right player.

Wenger feels he should have sufficient squad depth, with Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby returning next season, and a marquee signing is top of his priorities.

“Quantity-wise we will not do a lot. Quality-wise, certainly, and we will take a gamble if we find top, top quality of course,” Wenger said.

“The number of the squad is 25. We have many players out on loan and we have not had Jack Wilshere or Abou Diaby for the whole season.

“These players will be back and that means number and quality wise we are strong because we are now in the position we are in without these players.”

The Frenchman also revealed that he would like to avoid the deadline day drama he endured at the beginning of this season.

“Last year was terrible for us because we finished on August 31 at 11.55pm and we do not want to repeat that,” said.

“Quantity-wise we will not do a lot. Quality-wise, certainly, and we will take a gamble if we find top, top quality.”

Arsenal will be looking for the seventh successive Premier League win this Saturday against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

The third-placed Gunners are a point ahead of north London rivals Tottenham and Wenger believes the fight for Champions League football is more competitive than ever.

“Third is better than fourth, but if you have no choice, you take fourth and the opportunity. Let’s see how it goes now,” he said.

“I believe Newcastle are still in the fight, as are Tottenham and Chelsea. Liverpool are maybe too far off, but you never know.”