By MATT FORTUNE
Arsene Wenger has confirmed Arsenal want to sign two players in January as well as bringing back Thierry Henry for a third spell at the club.
The Gunners top four hopes are floundering having endured their worst start to a Premier League season, with fan frustrations now commonly heard ringing around Emirates Stadium on matchday.
Wenger, in his 17th season with the club, has had to face a barrage of criticism over the sale of star players almost every summer, while the quality of those bought in to replace them is often seen as insufficient.
However speaking to French television station Bein Sport, the 63-year-old has confirmed funds are available to strengthen when the January transfer window opens.
The return of club legend – and all-time leading goalscorer – Henry has been talked up by both parties, and in lavishing praise on the New York Red Bulls striker, Wenger confirmed efforts were underway to secure a second loan spell.
He said: ‘This winter we will work very hard because we have some funds available. It could happen that we buy two players, but I cannot reveal the names.
‘A loan [for Henry] is still a possibility, but we will still try to strengthen for the long term.
‘Henry is the talent that you dream to have. He has fantastic physique, fantastic technique, a fantastic brain, all built together in one man. At the start he was not confident enough but he has gone on to show what a great player he is.’
Among those being chased by Arsenal are Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and Schalke striker Klass Jan Huntelaar.
Former assistant manager Pat Rice – who still works for the club – and chief scout Steve Rowley have both watched the £20million forward in recent weeks and reported back to Wenger with glowing reviews.
Arsenal will make a starting offer of £9million when the transfer window reopens in January, but Eagles chairman Steve Parish will not let his prized-asset leave without a fight.
As for Huntelaar, the 29-year-old former Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan striker has scored in both Schalke’s Champions League ties against the Gunners this season.
Former Holland striker Erik Meijer, a TV pundit whose agent Arnold Oosterveer now represents Huntelaar, believes his fellow Dutchman is bound for the Emirates in January.
‘According to the information I have, Huntelaar will be gone in the winter,’ said Meijer earlier this month. ‘Arsenal FC are the favourites to land him.’
Wenger’s coffers are still boosted from the sale of Robin van Persie to Manchester United last summer, the Dutchman leaving the Emirates in a £24million deal after his most profitable season in north London.
His deflection to Old Trafford still wrangles with fans, but Wenger insists his former captain still holds the club close to his heart.
The Frenchman added: ‘He texts me sometimes, We keep in touch. He tells me he still watches Arsenal games.’
