Arsenal may make no more new signings admits confident boss Wenger

10 August 2009 16:53
Quiet summer: Arsene Wenger's only buy has been Thomas Vermaelen Arsene Wenger admits he could well now head into the first game of the Barclays Premier League campaign with the squad he has now - and will 'trust' his men to deliver.   The Gunners completed their build-up at Valencia on Saturday night, losing 2-0 in the Mestalla, which was the only defeat of pre-season.  With the majority of the first-team squad now set to be away on international duty - including Theo Walcott with England and youngster Jack Wilshere in the Under 21s - Wenger is keeping his fingers crossed he will have no fresh injury concerns when the players return ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton, which is set to be closely followed by the first leg of the Champions League qualifier against Celtic in Glasgow.   Moves for former captain Patrick Vieira and Bordeaux's £12million-rated Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh appear no further forwards, while Arsenal have also been linked with St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi.  Defender Philippe Senderos is expected to join Everton, if a fee can be agreed, although the club will not entertain any interest in captain captain Cesc Fabregas, who has, not for the first time this summer, been linked with a transfer to Barcelona.  Wenger has complete faith in the men already at Emirates Stadium. 'Not at the moment, no,' said Wenger when asked if there was any imminent news on the transfer front.   'We work always, but it would be pretentious to say that we signed anybody now before the season starts. 'I am very optimistic about the season and I am very positive about this team. We always have to listen to peoples' opinions, but you also have to trust what you see in the games and in training.   'Overall it was very positive preparation, and I believe we have shown quality in every game. It is unfortunate that now everybody goes away on international games, which is why we have to cross our fingers that everybody comes back in good shape. But overall, physically, everybody is ready to start.' Thomas Vermaelen is, so far, Wenger's only summer signing, with Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor and defender Kolo Toure the main departures as they joined Manchester City.   The Belgian centre-half did not feature in the final three friendlies because of a groin problem, but is expected to be available for this weekend. 'He is very close,' said Wenger, who is without both injured wingers Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri.  'If we had wanted to take a gamble then we could have played him against Valencia, but we did not want to. He should be available for next weekend.' Walcott played the second half on Saturday, in what was his first appearance of pre-season having been given some extra time off following a busy summer of international football, which included the European Under-21 Championships, where England reached the final.    Wenger feels some more match time for the 20-year-old forward during Wednesday night's friendly in Holland would be beneficial. '[England manager Fabio] Capello told me they would call him up so I am not surprised,' Wenger said. 'Theo needs competition so if he plays it is good for us.' Meanwhile, Strathclyde Police have confirmed the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League play-off against Celtic will take place as originally scheduled on Tuesday August 18.   Concerns had been raised over the timing, because pop group U2 are holding a concert at Hampden Park on the same evening.   Supporters have been advised to arrive early at Celtic Park, with the gates set to open at 6.15pm. 'Strathclyde Police acknowledge that this will be a very busy time for the city, but as with any major event, public safety will be paramount,' a police statement read.   'Contingencies will be in place across the whole of Strathclyde to ensure the safety of supporters and members of the public, not only for the match, but also for the U2 concert at Hampden Park.  'High-visibility policing and additional patrols in and around the city centre, together with a robust road policing plan will ensure that these events pass off safely.'

Source: Daily_Mail