Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger Claims Clubs Should Not Delay January Transfers

Arsene Wenger has maintained his cryptic stance on Arsenal's activity during the January transfer window.

Speculation surrounding N5 acquisitions has been rife, as a mounting injury list was believed to force the Frenchman's hand over the coming weeks, however, Wenger debunked the recent press murmurs by alluding to how Nicklas Bendtner's imminent return to full health could render a move for a striker redundant.

Speaking to the club's official website www.arsenal.com ahead of the club's planned Premier League clash with managerless Bolton Wanderers, Wenger revealed that if clubs were to act in the transfer market, then it would be within their best interests to do so quickly in order to integrate them into the squad.

"Ideally because of the number of games you have in January, you want to act as quickly as possible but at the moment it is very quiet," said the 60-year-old.

Wenger, though, has not been averse to signing players during the concluding hours of a transfer window. Lassana Diarra was bought from Chelsea during the closing day's business in the summer of 2007 for a £2 million fee, while a deal for Russian import Andrey Arshavin, in one of the most protracted deals of the winter window last year, was made official in the eleventh hour.

"You hear here and there a player is going, but there is always more talk in the media than movement and more speculation than acting," the Arsenal boss added.

Arsenal currently have nine players injured, although Wenger's stretched squad will soon be welcoming the return to full fitness of midfield pair Arshavin and Denilson.

Wenger added: "Denilson is back in the squad and he will be available for Bolton. Arshavin as well but I would be a bit more cautious about Bendtner."

"[Gael] Clichy should join in next Monday. [Cesc] Fabregas will not be available for Everton but [should be fit for] the game after against Bolton."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com UK