The Gunners travelled to Istanbul today ahead of their Champions League clash with Fenerbahce.

Turkish stadiums are renowned for their intimidating atmosphere, but Wenger believes his players have the strength to remain unaffected.

"They (Turkey) have the most passionate fans in Europe," he told www.arsenal.com. "Especially in Istanbul, where you have Besiktas, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.

"It is a unique place and for me it is a special city. But it is very, very tough.

"However, it will not affect the players. It could have done 20 years ago but one of the good things done by UEFA is that they protect the players and the competitions so much, they know if (the teams) do too much they will be kicked out.

"Every simple thing is filmed. That was not the case 20 or 30 years ago. You had a little more freedom to express your aggressiveness then. But that has gone."

Wenger has problems in defence with Kolo Toure, William Gallas and Bacary Sagna all injured, but midfielder Samir Nasri made a welcome return against Everton at the weekend.

The Frenchman scored the Gunners' first goal as they came from behind to triumph 3-1, and Wenger has been impressed by Nasri following his move from Marseille in the summer.

"I didn't count Nasri in here for the first six months of the season, like I do for everybody we buy at such a young age," added Wenger.

"When you look at the impact he had already here, you can say he's ahead of what I planned for him.

"He's 21, goes from France to England, and I must say I'm quite pleased with his attitude and his performances.

"He's doing extremely well and he is already becoming an important player for us and that is why you do not want him to get injured."