Arsenal looking to buy strikers next month

Arsenal's coach Arsene Wenger reacts at the Karaiskaki stadium in Piraeus near Athens during their UEFA Champions League match against Olympiakos Piraeus. (AFP)

Published Tuesday, December 13, 2011

By AFP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Tuesday the club may seek to strengthen their striking resources in next month's transfer window ahead of the African Cup of Nations.

The Gunners have bounced back from a disastrous start to the season to challenge for a top four place while qualifying for the Champions League knockout rounds as group winners.

However Arsenal's success has owed much to the form of captain Robin van Persie, who has contributed 19 goals this season.

And with Ivory Coast forward Gervinho and Morrocan international Marouane Chamakh due to play in the African Cup of Nations, Wenger is on the lookout for extra cover in attack.

"We lose players like Chamakh and Gervinho to the Africa Cup of Nations so hopefully, touch wood, we do not get any injuries to our strikers," Wenger said.

"But if an opportunity turns up in that department then we will buy," Wenger told a supporters' question and answer session at the Emirates Stadium.

"Economically the whole environment has changed and people suffer more. The clubs will suffer more financially and it's much more difficult," he said.

"Maybe we will have some opportunities because we are in a good financial situation."

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