Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has once again played down his interest in Lyon star Yoann Gourcuff.
But Arsenal boss will continue to watch Frenchman's return to form
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has once again played down his interest in Lyon star Yoann Gourcuff and has now dismissed reports of a bid to sign the playmaker on loan.
Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has previously claimed the Premier League club attempted to sign the playmaker at the end of the summer transfer window.
And reports have continued to suggest Wenger will renew his interest in Gourcuff in January, despite the Gunners boss earlier in December claiming he is looking for defenders or forwards.
Wenger is content with his midfield options, especially with England star Jack Wilshere and France international Abou Diaby expected to return from injury in 2012.
Evolution
Asked about a possible loan deal, Wenger told
L'Equipe: "No. In midfield I have Wilshere and Diaby, who will be back, and that would mean a lot of players."
Wenger, though, remains an admirer of Gourcuff and will continue to monitor the 25-year-old's return to form in the second half of the season after ankle surgery in July.
"I see his evolution in a positive way," Wenger said. "He is back from a long injury that put him away from the pitch for five months.
"He needs time to come back. That is typical. From January to May, he has time to get back to his best."
Wenger has been linked with an attempt to re-sign Arsenal legend Thierry Henry on a short-term loan, but he suggested on Tuesday that a deal was not close.
