Saturday 23 May 2015 07:21, UK
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes squad size is crucial ahead of a potentially busy summer of transfer activity.
The Gunners, who wrap up their season by hosting West Brom at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, have been linked with players such as Raheem Sterling and Morgan Schneiderlin ahead of the transfer window.
With members of the current squad such as Lukas Podolski and Yaya Sanogo having spent much of the current season on loan at Internazionale and Crystal Palace respectively, many expect there to be as many sales as purchases.
Wenger said of the situation: "The squad is the right number but the competition is right, not too big because too big kills competition, too short kills competition as well, so we have to find the right number that is a fair competition."
Asked if players had to go out before others could come in, Wenger added: "Chronologically you do not always decide that. Sometimes you have to decide 'okay, we have an opportunity, we do it and after we will see how we deal with the rest'."
Rumours surfaced that Barcelona are keen to take Aaron Ramsey to Spain this summer, but Wenger was quick to dismiss the suggestion, saying: "It is not realistic. Believe me, Barcelona know us well. They have gone through transfers with us. If they want someone they call me."
On the indifferent showing in Wednesday's goalless draw with Sunderland, Wenger added: "When you switch off it is always difficult to switch on again, it is not like when you switch on a light.
"For us what is important is to finish well and score again, but I am not especially concerned so lets just focus on the quality of the game we play."
