Source: Team_Talk
Wenger belittles big Smalling bid talk
Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson insisted on Thursday he would be the first to know were Wenger - linked with Brede Hangeland in the last transfer window - set to step up any interest in the 20-year-old, whom Fulham plucked from non-League Maidstone and is now rated at around £7million.[LNB]Wenger feels Arsenal currently have enough cover at centre-half, following the re-signing of former captain Sol Campbell.[LNB]However, were Philippe Senderos to leave, with Celtic a possible destination, then Wenger could be back in the market.[LNB]For now, though, the Gunners boss insists there is nothing concrete to report.[LNB]"He is a player we know, yes, but there is no truth in it at the moment," Wenger said. "Maybe in the future. At the moment is at the moment. I never rule anything out. I never speak about transfers[LNB]"It is very interesting to make headlines, but the most important is that we inform the press when things are done.[LNB]"If the press knows every moment about every single transfer, I do not think that is right."[LNB]With striker Nicklas Bendtner coming close to a first-team return, perhaps in time for the visit of Manchester United next weekend, Wenger hinted he may now not move to bolster the squad with another forward.[LNB]"At the moment we are not on the verge of signing anybody," said Wenger, set to be without injured Holland international Robin van Persie until April.[LNB]"It is very difficult in January to find players who are available for the Champions League, who are just good enough to play for Arsenal and at the right price.[LNB]"You never know, but at the moment it [to sign a striker] is unlikely."[LNB][LNB] Stoke v Arsenal Winning Margin: Arsenal by Exactly 2 Goals 4/1
