Arsenal transfer news: Arsene Wenger insists he has enough players up front

Arsene Wenger believes he can use Alexis Sanchez as his first choice centre-forward and refrain from signing an out and out striker in the current window. Arsenal have made only one major signing thus far in the window in the form of Granit Xhaka and are in the market for a few more players.

The Gunners opened their season with a 4-3 loss to Liverpool despite having taken the lead through Theo Walcott in the first half. Philippe Coutinho's goal on the cusp of half-time, opened the gates for the Reds to stage a comeback and they did that by scoring three goals in quick succession in the opening 20 minutes of the second half. The Gunners scored two more goals of their own but it was too little too late for them to salvage a draw from the fixture.

The loss led to a furore from fans and pundits alike, who want the Gunners to strengthen in the market, especially in defence, where they have only one experienced player fit in the form of Laurent Koscielny. The Gunners were undone by a lack of goals last season but Wenger believes his current crop of forwards will be enough to do the job, especially Alexis, who can be deployed up front if need be.

"I believe a club like ours is focused on giving chances to the players we develop in our own club. We have a few strikers who have a chance, if we find the right players we buy. But if you ask people 'give me names', you see that it is not that easy — look at a club like Real Madrid, who have they bought? Up front, it is very difficult," Wenger told the club's official website.

"It is an important season for Theo, because last year he had a difficult period. He can play as a striker and his numbers are excellent when he plays up front, we have Giroud, Alexis, Walcott, Akpom and Sanogo who is still here but is injured at the moment — the players we buy have to be better. Alexis and Walcott have pace, our game is linked with the speed of passing and the speed of movement and you need two."