Arsenal transfer news: Arsene Wenger open to making 'exceptional' signing during January window

Arsene Wenger expects the final ten days of the January transfer window to be busy, but does not believe his Arsenal side will be involved in a late trolley dash to recruit new players. The Gunners completed what is likely to be their only signing in the form of midfielder Mohamed Elneny from FC Basel last week, but Wenger will enjoy the remainder of the window from afar.

The Frenchman is traditionally frugal in January, with additions to his squad often few and far between. A low-key month follows a summer where the North London club failed to sign a single outfield player, only adding Petr Cech from Chelsea.

Despite being intent on having a quiet end to the January window, Wenger does remain open to one last deal should an deal present itself. The Arsenal boss says an "exceptional" long-term opportunity could see him make a late move in the market.

"You will certainly over the next 10 days have some work to do, not especially with Arsenal, but with other clubs," Wenger told assembled journalists at the club's training ground. "We are always open for the exceptional occasion because it can be a long-term opportunity that you would take, but at the moment I expect our last 10 days to be quiet."

Arsenal face another test of their Premier League title credentials on Sunday 24 January when they host champions Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, with Wenger having won just one of the last 10 meetings between the pair in all competitions.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's goal ensured Arsenal prevailed in the Community Shield meeting at Wembley in the curtain-raiser to the new season. The latest clash between the rivals is the first since the departure of Jose Mourinho following the end of his second spell in England, but Wenger does not expect the intensity of the affair to be diminished.

"I look at the quality of the players on the pitch and never who sits on the bench," he added. "It will be an intense game as usual, but overall because of the quality of the players on the pitch it will be a very intense battle – no matter who sits on the bench."