Football
ESPN staff 8y

Arsene Wenger aims to strengthen Arsenal midfield in January window

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will look to strengthen his side's defensive midfield options when the January transfer window opens.

Wenger, who is without Francis Coquelin for three months after he suffered a knee injury in the 2-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, said the Gunners were "in a position where we want to do something."

Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta are also out with injuries, and Wenger told a news conference: "If I find the right quality [of player], I will do something.

Asked about the Black Friday shopping day, the Arsenal boss said he did not know what that was -- but stressed that he was always on the lookout for a bargain.

"I love a bargain. Who does not love a bargain? I don't know many people that don't like a bargain," he said.

But he added that it was important for clubs not to buy players that were not needed, adding: "If people need two TVs, yes -- but if they don't need one, why should they buy two?

"That's where you come back to a bargain. What is for us a bargain is to buy players of top quality, because only top quality strengthens our squad.

"I bought Patrick Vieira for £2.5 million, and it was a top bargain because he was a top quality player. We spent £40m [actually £42.5m] on Ozil, but I still consider it a bargain because the player is top quality.

Wenger praised Germany international Ozil, who has contributed 11 assists and three goals so far this season, saying: "In his first season, there was a lot of scepticism around him.

"The quality of his performances has turned opinions. He now has the support of everybody who loves Arsenal.

"What is interesting about Mesut's game is that he is not only a provider now. He likes to get on the end of the things.

"What he has added to his game is the runs into the box. I think he has a much better balance in his game now -- giving, assisting and scoring."

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