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Camden New Journal - by STEVE BARNETT
Published: 7 August 2008

Arsene Wenger lining up midfielder?

Gunners boss admits he may need a new midfielder
after pre-season defeat

ARSENE Wenger has kept fans guessing about his transfer plans by claiming he wants to bring in an experienced head – but adding that he is not close to signing anybody.
The Arsenal chief hinted that Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott would play bigger roles in the Gunners’ first team this season with his selection for the Emirates Cup over the weekend.
But after the Gunners were defeated by Juventus and scraped past Real Madrid thanks only to an Emmanuel Adebayor penalty, Wenger admitted he would like to strengthen the ranks before the new term kicks off next week.
He has lost the grit and experience of Gilberto, Alex Hleb and Mathieu Flamini in midfield and looks undecided about who will partner Cesc Fabregas in the centre of the pitch.
New signings Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsay were put through the paces at the Emirates Stadium but there are still gaps to fill and, tellingly, Wenger said he “learned a lot” from two matches in which Arsenal could only muster one goal.
Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry, Liverpool’s Xavi Alonso and Real Madrid’s Ruben De La Red have been linked to the club – but Wenger said: “I can say that we are not close to signing anybody. If we have everybody onboard and nobody injured then OK, but maybe we could do to take one more experienced player.”
Wenger had to watch an old adversary in Martin Jol, the former Spurs head coach, pick up the Emirates Cup, a pre-season tournament hosted by Arsenal.
More positive points were fine performances by Walcott, youngsters Jack Wilshere and Carlos Vela, and the return to fitness of reliable right-back Bacary Sagna.
Wenger said: “Theo Walcott is ahead of where he was last year. I hope Theo is more regular in the team this year. Number 14 is a big number to inherit. I have confidence in him of course, but it is down to performances. I feel his first touch is much better, he moves the ball quicker and his penetration and final ball is better.
“I like two or three players. If we sign a player we will come out and tell you. I don’t know if Gareth Barry will leave Aston Villa or not, but I am not on the case.”
And he added: “There are some youngsters doing very well for us. You’ve seen Jack Wilshere who is catching the eye at the moment. He is surprisingly mature for his age – you forget how old he is when you see him play.”
Arsenal kick off the new season at home to Premiership new boys West Bromwich Albion on August 16.

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