Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger Rules Out Striker Signing

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled out signing a striker during the remainder of the summer transfer window but does remain keen on making further additions.

The Gunners have made four significant signings in the off-season, with Alexis Sanchez, David Ospina, Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy all joining the club ahead of the new campaign.

Though Wenger has made no secret of his aim to sign a replacement defender for Thomas Vermalen who has left Barcelona, the French boss has ruled out a move for another forward; a view reinforced by his desire to keep Joel Campbell.

"Look at the players we have up front. We have unbelievable strength," Wenger said of a strike force which includes Yaya Sanogo, Olivier Giroud, Campbell and Sanchez.

"I'm happy with all the players I have signed. They have integrated with the team very well

"What is a big signing? For you, it's the size of the fee. For me it's the quality of the player.

"I would like to keep him [Campbell] here, he has trained very well and matured a lot"

Arsenal begin their campaign at home to a Crystal Palace side who are reeling following the reported departure of manager Tony Pulis less than 48 hours before the start of the season.

Pulis' exit from Selhurst Park is understood to be motivated by a lack of control over transfers during the summer, just three months on from being named LMA manager of the year after keeping the Eagles afloat in the top-flight. Keith Millen will take charge of Palace this weekend.

"Normally the manager is in control of transfers because we are competent enough to chose the team," Wenger said.

On the injury front, Wenger will welcome back defender Laurent Koscielny following his return to full training, but will again be without World Cup-winning German trio Lukas Podolski, Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil who only resumed full sessions this week.

Wenger added: "Koscielny should be back but the Germans are not ready yet. It will be a similar squad to Man City [in Charity Shield victory]."