Wenger Confirms He Was Close To Making A Second Signing

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he came close to making another signing on transfer deadline day but the selling club refused to part with the player, according to Arsenal.com.

We’ve been linked with a whole host of names over the last few weeks but the only addition to the squad was the surprise signing of Spanish full-back Nacho Monreal, who sealed a move to the Emirates just before Thursday’s 11pm deadline.

The 26-year-old was signed as cover for the injured Kieran Gibbs, who now faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with a thigh injury picked up against Liverpool.

However, speaking at his press conference ahead of this weekends clash with Stoke, Wenger told the clubs official website that he was close to making a further addition to his squad but was denied as the selling club refused to sell the player.

“We were close to one more signature,” Wenger said. “It did not happen because of the desire of the clubs to sell or not sell. It is only linked with that.

“It was not a money problem, it was more a desire from other clubs to keep their players.

“I believe that we have top quality in our squad and that is what we want to show until the end of the season.

“We have some aspects of our game that we need to improve and how active we will be in the market in the summer will be decided by how well we do now until the end of the season.”

Arsene couldn’t reveal the name of the player for obvious reasons but many fans are speculating who this mystery target was. Many are pointing to David Villa, others are suggesting names like Etienne Capoue, while some more cynical supports are claiming the boss is making it up to appease fans who’re frustrated at the lack of signings. I suppose we may never find out the truth.

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But at least the one signing we did secure looks to be a decent buy and a vital one now that Gibbs has been ruled out for six weeks.  It remains to be seen whether Monreal will be handed his debut on Saturday but with Vermaelen a doubt for the game, let’s hope he is as otherwise it means….Santos!

Were you disappointed with Arsenal’s lack of transfer activity? Who do you think was the mystery player we missed out on?