Arsene Wenger: Tough for Arsenal to Complete Signings Before World Cup Starts

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes it will be very difficult to complete signings before the World Cup commences in Brazil next month.

The north London club were reportedly looking to complete the acquisition of at least two of their priority summer targets before the competition kicks off on 12 June.

After the Premier League campaign concludes on 11 May, Arsenal have one competitive fixture remaining to play in the following weekend - the FA Cup final against Hull City at Wembley on 17 May.

With the Champions League final scheduled to take place on 24 May, Wenger insists that it technically allows a gap of less than three weeks to successfully negotiate and complete the deals before 32 nations strive to lift the ultimate prize in Brazil.

"Honestly, in my experience in a World Cup year, it [business] has never been done early. Everybody is focused on the World Cup. At the moment you can do nothing because the season is not over," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

"We are today, the 8th of May. The 12th of June is the first World Cup game. The Champions League final is on the 24th of May and basically two weeks later it is the start of the World Cup."

"It is unbelievable. There is no time between the end of the season and the start of the World Cup. Nobody will do anything before the World Cup starts," he added.

Arsenal have been linked to many high-profile names like Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) and Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad) in the last few weeks.

However, Wenger admitted that he does not consider signing more than three players during the upcoming transfer window.

The Gunners were on top of the league table for most part of the campaign. But, poor results since the turn of the year forced them to settle for fourth place.

The Frenchman is eager for his side to mount a serious challenge for the title next season and insists that a lot of preparation must take place throughout the summer if they intend to win silverware next season.

"We have to continue to develop as a team. We have bridged a big gap [against the leaders] and we want to be better next season. How can we do that? We have hard work in the summer to achieve that," Wenger concluded.