WENGER WON'T ABANDON PRINCIPLES
Arsene Wenger admits he would have a dilemma over just where a big-name signing would fit into his current Arsenal side.
The past few weeks have been poor for the Gunners, whose hopes of silverware were ended with defeat in the Carling Cup final swiftly followed by exits from the FA Cup and Champions League.
While the battle to secure third place in the Barclays Premiership remains a realistic goal, there can be no doubt about the disappointment another barren season brings.
Wenger has, though, maintained he will only add only "super, super class" to his playing staff this summer should anyone be on the market and willing to come to the Emirates Stadium at the right price.
The futures of both Julio Baptista and Jose Antonio Reyes, on loan at Real Madrid, have to be sorted out one way or another - along with that of veteran goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who is out of contract.
Several players such as striker Nicklas Bendtner, midfielder Alexander Song, Fabrice Muamba and full-back Kerrea Gilbert are all gaining first-team experience elsewhere, but are likely to return next season.
All this leaves Wenger with something of a conundrum should he decide to make a bold move in the transfer market this summer.
"Where would I put him? You are right," said the Arsenal manager.
"It would be detrimental to the development of some of the younger players who have come into the side and done well.
"We never had everybody fit and available at the same time this season - [William] Gallas, [Thierry] Henry and [Robin] van Persie.
"But the advantage we got from this year is that some young players had to play and they developed well."
Bendtner, 18, has proved a big hit for Birmingham, where he has chalked up 11 goals for the Coca-Cola Championship leaders.
Wenger expects the young Danish striker to feature regularly in his squad when the new campaign begins in August.
"He will come back and challenge for a first team place next season, I have spoken to him about that," said the Arsenal boss. More
The past few weeks have been poor for the Gunners, whose hopes of silverware were ended with defeat in the Carling Cup final swiftly followed by exits from the FA Cup and Champions League.
While the battle to secure third place in the Barclays Premiership remains a realistic goal, there can be no doubt about the disappointment another barren season brings.
Wenger has, though, maintained he will only add only "super, super class" to his playing staff this summer should anyone be on the market and willing to come to the Emirates Stadium at the right price.
The futures of both Julio Baptista and Jose Antonio Reyes, on loan at Real Madrid, have to be sorted out one way or another - along with that of veteran goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who is out of contract.
Several players such as striker Nicklas Bendtner, midfielder Alexander Song, Fabrice Muamba and full-back Kerrea Gilbert are all gaining first-team experience elsewhere, but are likely to return next season.
All this leaves Wenger with something of a conundrum should he decide to make a bold move in the transfer market this summer.
"Where would I put him? You are right," said the Arsenal manager.
"It would be detrimental to the development of some of the younger players who have come into the side and done well.
"We never had everybody fit and available at the same time this season - [William] Gallas, [Thierry] Henry and [Robin] van Persie.
"But the advantage we got from this year is that some young players had to play and they developed well."
Bendtner, 18, has proved a big hit for Birmingham, where he has chalked up 11 goals for the Coca-Cola Championship leaders.
Wenger expects the young Danish striker to feature regularly in his squad when the new campaign begins in August.
"He will come back and challenge for a first team place next season, I have spoken to him about that," said the Arsenal boss. More
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