Wenger Closing In On Major Signing — Arsenal Transfer News

The first London derby of the new season takes place at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as Arsenal host West Ham.

Slaven Bilic’s side saw their participation in the Europa League come to an end on Thursday evening as they were beaten 2-1 by FC Astra in Romania. The Hammers have participated in 12 games in the pre-season – winning five, drawing three and losing the rest, including the crucial Europa League qualifier against Astra Giurgiu.

In the latter years of Ferguson’s time, Manchester United found themselves third best in the transfer market behind Chelsea and Manchester City.

Arsenal will head into their opener against West Ham without Jack Wilshere after he was sidelined for up to four weeks with a hairline fracture to his left fibula.

“Giroud alone as a striker there – you can’t win the league, you need another type of striker”. Wenger will have selection headache in the right back spot as Hector Bellerin and Mathieu Debuchy are both fit but the former looks to be a better choice as in attacking threat. “So let’s start strong this season and I believe we have the needed ingredients”.

Ankle and knee injuries sustained by Enner Valencia in the first leg serve as a further blow, with Andy Carroll (knee) still absent. While Andy Carroll, who is nursing a knee injury is still working on the long road to recovery and is presently training with the Under-21s.

PREMIER LEAGUE EXECUTIVE chairman Richard Scudamore has told Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger to ignoring each other if there is no respect between the pair. Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate are expected to lead the line for the hammers, while trusted custodian Adrian will retain his position between the sticks. Arsene Wenger feels absolutely sick.

Talk of a move for Real Madrid frontman Benzema has been bubbling all summer, but the speculation has intensified over the last couple of days, however Wenger has dismissed the rumours. Thierry Henry, probably the last great striker Arsenal had – with a nod to Robin van Persie’s two decent seasons – thinks that the Frenchman’s arrival would be transformative.

The Gunners have lost only once in their last 14 opening day fixtures (W9, D3). His experience must show as they try to help West Ham go from bottom-half team to challenging in the upper tier of the league.

“We look like we can score goals when we go forward”, he suggest.