Wenger to Complete Arsenal's Summer Transfers Early

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger plans to complete his transfers early this summer to avoid a situation similar to last season's deadline day chaos, according to a report in The Sun.

Wenger has already indicated a change in his transfer strategy this summer, saying he would use his funds on two or three "quality" players, instead of buying youngsters or squad players as he usually does.

The Arsenal boss admitted the timing of his 2011 dealings were "terrible" as he had to sign Andre Santos, Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta on deadline day, with Arteta's transfer being approved only minutes before the window shut.

The report also says Wenger hopes to wrap up the signing of German forward Lukas Podolski, from Cologne for £11million, before the weekend.

With just one year left in club captain Robin van Persie's current contract, making the Dutchman sign an extension is also a top target for the North London club as they prepare to break their wage ceiling to keep Premier League's leading goalscorer at the Emirates.

Meanwhile, some of the club's highest earners along with a few squad players will be put up for sale by the end of the season as Arsenal look to effectively manage their wage bill.

Russian captain Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh, Manuel Almunia, Sebastien Squillaci, Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson, Carlos Vela and South Korean skipper Park Chu-Young are all set to leave Arsenal this summer, according to a Daily Mail report.