Arsene Wenger expects busy January transfer window for Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger regards Mast Ozil as one of his locker room leaders.

Arsenal fans around the Transfer Tavern celebrating the fact that they sit top of the Premier League heading into the New Year have seen the discussions quickly alter, amid confirmation that a first-team ace could be lost.

The 27-year-old club-record signing has been immaculate in recent weeks and has already notched up 16 assists in the league this season.

Wenger is confident, though, that not only will Wilshere be flying by June, but he could be the player to inspire the confidence to go all the way and win it.

He said this morning: “His main work was when he was injured, he worked very hard physically”. He is a complete athlete.

“He needs support and I try to give it to him”. He plays in a style of football that suits him well.

Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Sunderland on Wednesday night, Carragher said: “This season, I thought they [Arsenal] would be Chelsea’s biggest challengers”. The Gunners are now in the lead thanks to goal differential.

Having made four alterations from the 4-0 Boxing Day defeat at Southampton for the visit of Bournemouth, Wenger admits he is likely to make more changes against Steve McClaren’s men.

The Brazilian moved to the Emirates Stadium from Villarreal last January but the game against the Cherries was just his 14th Premier League appearance.

“If Arsenal don’t win it this year, I think it could be another 10 years before they win it again”.

“Maybe when we were top these three times because the other teams did not play at full power and we did”. He started at 17 and played every single game and suddenly it stopped.

“Yes, he is ready”, Wenger replied when asked if Gabriel could stay in the side.

“I have spoken to him about the latest setback”, he said.

“The most important thing is to feel, at the end of the season, that we have given absolutely everything to be successful”.