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Why Wenger would be unwise to rule out January bidding

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With a clear first choice XI and a decent bench, Arsene Wenger has once again reiterated Arsenal’s squad depth and has dropped the biggest hint yet that he might refrain from making any signings in January.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-1 victory against a battling Norwich City last Saturday, Wenger dismissed speculations about his future and added that any new recruits in January might depend on the squad’s injury status.

The Frenchman said:

‘In football you rule very few things out, because it [signing players] depends if you have seven injuries until January. However, at the moment we have a big enough squad to cope.’

It is quite understandable Wenger dismissing speculations about possible arrivals in January because he has a number of key players like Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Bacary Sagna to return early next year and these players will undoubtedly add a lot more depth to the squad.

But frankly speaking, will we be able to fight simultaneously in three competitions in February? I don’t think so, especially with several bench players lacking in game time and form. It would be a hugely unpopular decision if Wenger doesn’t bring in at least a couple of players this winter.

For one, we need a suitable backup for Robin Van Persie. Marouane Chamakh is too down on confidence to produce influential performances and Park Chu-Young is yet to make a significant mark in an Arsenal shirt. The Korean might well have to step up during the hectic December period now that he’s settled and back to full fitness. He is bound to get at least 3 games and if he fails to impress, Wenger has no other option but to go shopping.

Several strikers have been linked with a move to Arsenal, the likes of Andre Ayew, Papiss Cisse, Lukas Podolski, Marco Reus, Lucho Gonzalez and several others have been touted.

Gonzalez is out of favour at Marseille and Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Bundesliga duo Podolski and Reus, while Wenger has admitted that he admires Ayew, who appears to be keen to remain with Marseille.

Signing either Podolski or Reus would be fantastic for our club, but the 25-30 million price tags will surely put off Wenger.

Papiss Cisse appears to be the most logical choice given his experience, goal scoring record, physical presence and a relatively low price tag of £12-14 million.

However, I am pretty sure signing a striker will solely depend on Park Chu-Young and his development over the next two months.

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