ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger remains open to options during the transfer window, but maintains the likes of England winger Theo Walcott, striker Eduardo and captain Cesc Fabregas will seem like new signings when they eventually return to action.
The Gunners are hopeful of landing number one target Andrei Arshavin as talks with Zenit St Petersburg continue over the fee for the 27-year-old - as the Russians hold out for £20million, a figure unlikely to be met by the Emirates Stadium club.
Wenger hopes the deal can be pushed through, but insists all would not be lost should no fresh faces arrive before the window closes on February 2.
Croatian striker Eduardo is working on his match fitness having returned to action for the reserves after being sidelined since February with a broken leg, while Walcott (dislocated shoulder), Fabregas (knee ligaments) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon) are expected to follow towards March and April.
"We are open [to any transfer deals], but do not forget that we have Rosicky, Fabregas and Walcott who are all creative and offensive players. They will come back at some stage," said Wenger.
"Eduardo has recovered very well and his coming back will be like a new signing as well. He will be back in two to three weeks [in the first team].
"That is like being on a transfer market for us. I believe we have a strong team and we want to do the maximum with the team we have."
Arsenal look set to have to break their transfer record of £13million for Sylvain Wiltord in 2000 if they are to land Arshavin.
Wenger, though, remains pragmatic about the whole situation.
"We are not close to signing anybody, but there again, we are in negotiations, yes - but we want to respect our principles," said the Arsenal manager.
"I am very hopeful. There is time left in the transfer window because we have only crossed halfway.
"But if it does not happen, it does not happen. There again, we want to continue to improve and focus and what we can continue to improve here with the players we have.
"I believe we have a strong team and we want to do the maximum with the team we have."
The Gunners, some eight points behind leaders Liverpool and out of the top four, head to Hull for tomorrow's late kick off.
Midfielder Alex Song could return from a thigh problem which has sidelined him since Boxing Day.
However, defenders William Gallas (hamstring) and Mikael Silvestre (thigh) remain out along with Arsenal's long-term absentees.
Wenger hopes the deal can be pushed through, but insists all would not be lost should no fresh faces arrive before the window closes on February 2.
Croatian striker Eduardo is working on his match fitness having returned to action for the reserves after being sidelined since February with a broken leg, while Walcott (dislocated shoulder), Fabregas (knee ligaments) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon) are expected to follow towards March and April.
"We are open [to any transfer deals], but do not forget that we have Rosicky, Fabregas and Walcott who are all creative and offensive players. They will come back at some stage," said Wenger.
"Eduardo has recovered very well and his coming back will be like a new signing as well. He will be back in two to three weeks [in the first team].
"That is like being on a transfer market for us. I believe we have a strong team and we want to do the maximum with the team we have."
Arsenal look set to have to break their transfer record of £13million for Sylvain Wiltord in 2000 if they are to land Arshavin.
Wenger, though, remains pragmatic about the whole situation.
"We are not close to signing anybody, but there again, we are in negotiations, yes - but we want to respect our principles," said the Arsenal manager.
"I am very hopeful. There is time left in the transfer window because we have only crossed halfway.
"But if it does not happen, it does not happen. There again, we want to continue to improve and focus and what we can continue to improve here with the players we have.
"I believe we have a strong team and we want to do the maximum with the team we have."
The Gunners, some eight points behind leaders Liverpool and out of the top four, head to Hull for tomorrow's late kick off.
Midfielder Alex Song could return from a thigh problem which has sidelined him since Boxing Day.
However, defenders William Gallas (hamstring) and Mikael Silvestre (thigh) remain out along with Arsenal's long-term absentees.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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