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Wenger considers move

Arsene Wenger has to do without his injured captain Cesc Fabregas for the clash
Image: Wenger: Waiting

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed there is a '50-50' chance he will bring in a new striker in January.

Arsenal boss '50-50' over new striker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed there is a '50-50' chance he will bring in a new striker in January. Wenger is already without leading light Robin van Persie - who looks set to miss the entire season with his ankle injury. Arsenal are now waiting on the fitness of Denmark international Nicklas Bendtner before deciding whether to make a move into the transfer market. Bendtner was ruled out after having a hernia operation, but a groin problem is now the issue and Wenger admits he will be looking to dip into the market should the Dane be ruled out for a lengthy spell.

No way

"There is no way we can carry on with only one striker," admitted Wenger. "Bendtner is being treated now and will come back on Friday for tests. "If he is out for another two months, we will need to buy someone, absolutely." Wenger admits that even if Bendtner is fine, he could still dip into the market. "There is a 50-50 chance we'll sign somebody. Even if Bendtner is OK we will look around and if we find a good bargain we will still do it."
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Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh remains of interest to Arsenal, but any move for him looks likely to wait until the summer, and the latest player to be linked is Carlton Cole. It is suggested that Cole's availability to play in the UEFA Champions League is a big appeal to Wenger, who could make an approach to West Ham and test their resolve over the England striker. Meanwhile, Wenger admitted he feared the worst after reports from Spain claimed Fran Merida has snubbed a new deal at Arsenal to pen a five-year pre-contract with Atletico Madrid. "I don't know for certain if he has signed but I fear the worst," he said.

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