Arsenal boss Wenger lines up striker swoop for January

Arsene Wenger has confirmed he hopes to buy in January s transfer window. The Arsenal manager usually keeps his cards close to his chest on transfer matters but made public his desire to strengthen his over-stretched squad this week following last Sunday

Arsene Wenger has confirmed he hopes to buy in January's transfer window.

The Arsenal manager usually keeps his cards close to his chest on transfer matters but made public his desire to strengthen his over-stretched squad this week following last Sunday's morale-shattering loss to Chelsea.

With Robin van Persie not expected to be fit before April at the earliest, Wenger said the Dutch striker's injury has forced his hand.

"I didn't feel we had any need to buy anybody but we will be out on the market that is for sure now. However we will only make a decision if it suits us," he said prior to last night's Carling Cup quarter final at Manchester City.

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh is one player he is believed to be chasing while speculation mounts that a move for Internazionale's 19-year-old striker Mario Bolatelli is imminent, particularly as he appears to be out of favour with his coach, Jose Mourinho.

Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy could be a short-term answer, a move that appears to be popular with fans despite his past Manchester United connections.

Wenger is still angry with the Dutch FA over van Persie's injury. The forward had gone for treatment in Serbia after an initial diagnosis that he would only be out for six weeks.

Later it was confirmed his ankle ligaments needed reconstruction surgery which may keep him out for the rest of the season.

"I think we have not been told the truth by the Dutch Football Federation which is a real regret," said Wenger.

"I think as well if they had not made a mistake in his diagnosis he would not have gone to Serbia to get that kind of treatment.

"If we had found out the damage of his ankle he would never have been cured anyway.