Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger intends to have his summer transfer business concluded sooner rather than later - and has warned it would be "dangerous" to buy a player just because they are a hit at the World Cup.
The Gunners are set to finish third following another campaign which promised so much, yet has failed to delivery a trophy for the fifth successive year.
"With the season drawing to a close, people are inevitably looking to discuss our transfer targets," said Wenger.
While the impact of the loss through injury of key men like Holland forward Robin van Persie, captain Cesc Fabregas and centre-half William Gallas for various stages of the season is understandable, the failure for those left standing to produce a performance when it really mattered most has left Wenger with some tough questions to answer.
The Arsenal manager accepts "one or two" additions are needed to help turn the undoubted potential of youth into a side capable of staying the distance.
"I do have targets and have been talking to people, but I cannot mention any names at the moment.
"What I can say is that the World Cup will not affect our recruitment, unless there is an exception that nobody could foretell."
Wenger, however, maintains he is not about to splash out on new talent unless he is absolutely certain they can add the extra quality needed to his squad - whatever happens on the world's biggest stage in South Africa this summer.
Wenger added: "In my view it is dangerous to buy on the back of a World Cup - for one thing the prices afterwards are always artificial, and for another you have to bear in mind that anyone can have three weeks of glory on a football field. To have 10 years of success is quite different.
"All told, I believe that the earlier you settle your teams for the next season, the better it is and the less anxiety you have."
Source: PA
