Wenger gives update on four Arsenal outcasts likely to depart in January

Thursday, January 3, 2013
11:36 AM

Transfer news: Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal could offload a string of fringe players during the January transfer window as they look to lighten their wage bill.

Russian forward Andrey Arshavin, Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh, French centre-half Sebastien Squillaci and Swiss defender Johan Djourou - who is said to be interesting German side Hannover - are all likely to be sold.

Wenger, though, maintains Arsenal must concentrate on the players they have in the first team now, rather than worrying about who might be coming in or going out.

“First of all we have to make sure the players who are here stay here, after we look outside,” he said.

“Let’s first try to finalise with Theo Walcott and after if we need something else we will go somewhere else, but our first priority is that.

“The most important players for us are those who are here. Those who are on the transfer market will not help us win the games.”

Wenger added there was “no news” on the future of Andrey Arshavin, who has been linked with both Reading and Paris St Germain, but revealed he expected some departures.

“Squillaci, if he finds a club, he will certainly go. Djourou might go somewhere as well, that will be decided in the next 48 to 72 hours,” said the Arsenal manager.