Wenger looks to fill defensive void

Injuries to Thomas Vermaelen and Sebastien Squillaci have forced Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to seek defensive cover during the transfer period.

The Gunners are facing a busy month ahead with fixtures in the Carling Cup and FA Cup as well as the Premier League.

Wenger had not planned to invest in a new signing in the January transfer window, but injuries to key defenders Vermaelen and Squillaci have forced his hand.

“If we find somebody at the right level we will do it, if not we will continue like this,” Wenger said.

“We always have people in mind and we check them out. We look everywhere. It’s difficult to find (them) at this period of the season, but overall I feel at the moment we have so many games that it’s very important just to focus on the next one.”

“If the opportunity turns up we will fetch it but, if not, I believe we can cope.”

“We have solutions internally with Ignasi Miquel, with Alex Song who can play centre back and with Squillaci, who should come back very quickly.”

Arsenal are preparing for four games in the next 10 days, starting with a trip to Ipswich on Wednesday for the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

Wenger believes the busy period, which also includes an FA Cup third-round replay at Leeds and Premier League fixtures against West Ham and Wigan, will be a good indicator of where his side are at.

“It’s a key month,” said Wenger. “But you want games, we are competitive players and a competitive club so you cannot complain when you have competition.”

“We relish competition. It’s a good opportunity for everybody at the club to contribute to the success.”

“That’s why I believe January is a very congested month but as well a great opportunity for everybody to show how much we want success.”