No Transfer Talk Until After Twente - Wenger

The Gunners have faced criticism for a lack of transfer activity and purchase of proven, quality players to replace those sold this summer.

Though very stringently sticking by his own policies as ever, the Professor has admitted that his side are perhaps a body short in midfield and that if he does make one more purchase this summer, it is likely to be a player in the mould of Mathieu Flamini, who left for Milan on a free transfer this summer.

Many names have been linked with the Gunners in the press, from Euro 2008 winner Marcos Senna, finalist Torsten Frings, Liverpool target Gareth Barry, possible bargaining chip Xabi Alonso, brother of Gunner Kolo Toure, Yaya of Barcelona and, most prominently, Udinese's Goekhan Inler.

Following this evening's Amsterdam tournament draw with Sevilla, Wenger would not be drawn on any transfer talk, as he insists his priority is preparing for the midweek Champions League qualifier against Steve McClaren's FC Twente.

"At the moment, I am not close to concluding any transfer deal, because I am too busy here," said the mananger.

"Maybe next week something can happen, but for now we have to focus on the Champions League and forget about transfers because it is a big target for us.

"I do not rule anybody completely out at the moment, so everything is possible.

"I am confident and have belief the team will be focused and treat Twente with respect.

"We have learned through our experience and I am confident we can qualify.

"You always expect good opposition in Holland, but I believe we are good enough to get through."

Young full-back Justin Hoyte is a rare breed in Arsenal's youth ranks as he, like Mark Randall and Jack Wilshere, is a product of the Arsenal youth system. As it happens, the right-back has not lived up to expectations and is thought to be free to leave the Emirates Stadium, with Middlesbrough firm favourites to sign the youngster to replace Luke Young, who left for Aston Villa earlier this week.

Wenger insists no formal offer has been made for the player: "At the moment, he is with us and we have no formal offer from anybody.

"There is interest here and there, but nothing concrete.

"I may let one or two go on loan because they need to play, it is part of education.

"It is not especially to get Premiership experience, but to play in the first team every week with that pressure.

"Then when we feel they are ready to integrate in the first team, they come back."

Arsenal took the lead this evening thanks to a tenacious charge and cool finish from Carlos Vela early on, and despite being dominated by a scintillating Sevilla side thereafter.

Wenger was pleased with the goal-scorer's effort, but believes he is still physically lacking, despite the strength shown to net the goal: "He is an exciting player and feel he is still not there physically.

"But overall he has all the skill and technical qualities to be an Arsenal player."

The young Mexican was pleased with the test received in Amsterdam this evening: "Today we were very young, but I in the end we learned what it is like to defend, what we are not used to and in the end it was a good lesson for us.

"Overall I am pleased because we lacked a bit of experience but we got a positive result with 1-1, even if overall Sevilla had many more chances."

Chet Winter, Goal.com