Arsene Wenger Admits Arsenal Squad Concerns, Rejects Talk of Imminent Arrivals

Arsenal are no closer to making further signings despite Arsene Wenger admitting he has concerns over the lack of options in his squad.

The Gunners have restocked at right back and in goal following the summer departures of Bacary Sagna and Łukasz Fabiański, adding defensive duo Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy and shot stopper David Ospina to their squad, in addition to marquee signing Alexis Sánchez.

However, the departure of Thomas Vermaelen leaves the club with just two established options at centre-half, while the need for a holding midfielder remains a priority for Wenger with Real Madrid's Sami Khedira thought to be a target.

But with just 13 days left remaining in the transfer window, the Gunners boss admits there is nothing new to report.

No more new blood in Arsenal

When asked if any further additions were close, Wenger told the club's official website, following their 0-0 draw with Besiktas in their Champions League play-off, "Not at the moment, no.

"I have nothing special to add on that at the moment. Honestly, we are not close to signing anybody."

The 23-year-old defender Kostas Manolas has emerged as another target for the club in recent weeks following Vermaelen's departure. But the Gunners may have to move quickly for the Greece international with Serie A champions Juventus keen to enlist his services.

Wenger admits he is "short" of options in defence, but hopes the return of German trio Per Mertesacker, Mesut Özil and Lukas Podolski will provide a telling boost ahead of their weekend clash with Everton.

"We are a bit short at the back, yes you are right," Wenger continued. "But we should have Mertesacker and Ozil and Podolski available again at the weekend. Let's hope they are in good shape when we go home."

The Gunners were held to a goalless draw in the first leg of their Champions League play-off in Turkey and will be without Aaron Ramsey for the return leg in north London next week, after the Welshman was sent off for two bookable offences.