Wenger to play cautious in January

Arsene Wenger has not ruled out strengthening Arsenal’s squad, but will exercise his customary caution in the January transfer window.

The 61-year-old Frenchman is noted for his reluctance to sign players mid-season, with the purchase of Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg in 2009 one of few exceptions to the rule.

And this season appears no different, with Wenger making it clear that only a player who can genuinely improve the team will come under consideration.

“It depends if somebody goes or not and whether we find on the market something that really gives us a plus – then we will of course not turn it down,” Wenger told Arsenal TV.

“Don’t expect miracles in January; you have a high number of players who have played already in Europe and couldn’t help us in the Champions League, and also clubs do not want to sell their best players.”

“It’s highly unlikely you find just the player you need in January. It’s not about spending money; it’s about finding just the right player to strengthen a squad that is already very strong.”

Wenger also believes that the Englsih Premier League title race remains wide open and is banking on Arsenal’s home form to give them an edge in the second half of the season.

“At the moment you play and you look around you, because you know that surprises can come from everywhere. We had another one on Monday night, Man City-Everton.”

“I believe the first team who finds top-level consistency can make a difference.”

“We have played at Man Utd, at Chelsea, at Liverpool, at Man City, and we know that our season is at the Emirates now.”

“It is the home form against the big sides that can allow us to make the difference.”