Share

Wenger: Close the window!

London - Arsene Wenger says the January transfer window should be scrapped and believes few big deals will go through before it closes at the end of the month, the Arsenal boss said on Friday.

'Expert' UK footy tips

"I would sign (up) for the January transfer window to be scrapped completely," Wenger told a news conference ahead of the Premier League leaders' home clash with struggling Fulham.

"The January transfer market will not be busy, it is a low-key market this year.

"The financial resources this season explains why the league is so tight."

Arsenal splashed out a club record £42 million for Mesut Ozil and injuries to Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott have led to speculation that Wenger may try to bolster his squad this month with new signings.

Wenger, however, has never been a fan of signing players in January and earlier this week labelled transfer talk "distracting".

"We have a very even squad, quality wise," Wenger said on Friday. "We are on a good run and that helps confidence. At the moment we are not close to signing anybody."

Despite Fulham's lowly league position, just a point above the relegation zone, Wenger believes the London club will avoid the drop under new manager Rene Meulensteen.

"Fulham have struggled at home but I believe they have enough quality to stay in the league," he said.

As well as Walcott and Ramsey, Arsenal will also be without Mikel Arteta and Nicklas Bendtner against Fulham, while Tomas Rosicky and Nacho Monreal face late fitness tests.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE