Saturday, January 15, 2011

Wenger rules out January sales

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he will keep hold of all his players during the transfer window despite reports claiming goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and forward Andrei Arshavin are on their way out. Almunia, who has been deposed as the Gunners' first choice 'keeper by Lukasz Fabianski, has been linked with move to Turkish club Galatasaray and below-par Arshavin is being eyed by Serie A side Juventus.
But when asked about the possibility of any players leaving in January, Wenger said: "No, not at the moment."
On Juve's reported interest in Arshavin, he added: "We have had no contact. As soon as a player doesn't play fantastically well, he is criticised. We all know that. I am very happy with Arshavin.
"I believe he is a great player. He is going through a period where it is more difficult for him at the moment but he works very hard in training. His attitude is fantastic and I am desperate to keep him.
"He played almost every single game since the start of the season. He has played for his national team as well and he is physically a bit less fresh."
Carlos Vela is expected to complete a season-long loan switch to Bolton Wanderers but Wenger ruled out the possibility of Aaron Ramsey joining Blackpool, or any other club, on a similar deal.
Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "At the moment no because we have so many games in front of us that we want everybody to be here and available."
Meanwhile, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has expressed disappointment that Cesc Fabregas did not return to the Camp Nou last summer.
"It's unfortunate that Cesc didn't come last summer," he told Voetbal International. "He could have given a lot to this team."
He added in El Mundo Deportivo: "It would be nice to see my friend Cesc playing at the Camp Nou."

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