Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger Hints at Closed Window for Gunners

Arsene Wenger has professed his distaste for the distraction that the transfer window provides, hinting that he may not bring anyone to the Emirates in January.

When asked about reports linking the London club with Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata, Wenger was typically matter-of-fact.

As quoted in the Guardian, Wenger stated:

"

We are not in talks with Real about anybody. Nothing has changed because we are open to a possible solution and if something interesting turns up we will do it. It could be a loan as well, yes. The transfer market is a distraction that for me is not welcome.

"

Although Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are due to return this weekend, the absence of Theo Walcott means that Arsenal have been unable to field their first-choice starting line-up this year.

Usually, that would mean a January scramble to provide some stop-gap cover, but Wenger typically goes about things in a different manner to his counterparts.

If he makes the move, it's likely to be for a player who could contribute to the future of the team. Giroud cannot be expected to carry the weight of the attack alone, and his performances have looked more and more tired over the last month.

With Walcott out, that increases the expectation on Giroud. It's unlikely that Wenger has closed the window until the summer, but he's always been reticent to discuss his thinking with the media.

He has been coy on the subject of a striker since mid-December. Nevertheless, reports have linked his side with the likes of Julian Draxler, Jackson Martinez, Dmitar Berbatov and Mario Mandzukic. 

Basically it's been the same old song, sung a slightly different way.

Wenger surprised everyone last year with the signing of Mesut Ozil. Many believed this to be a panic buy that signalled the manager finally bowing to fan pressure and making a big signing.

Instead it was revealed as a masterstroke, with Ozil hitting the ground running and establishing himself as the key contributor in the Gunners' side. 

With his distaste for the auctioneering of the transfer window, it's no surprise that Wenger would want to keep his silence. As soon as he starts revealing his interest in players, their price goes up as more teams become aware of them. That's just the way it works.

While Arsenal don't necessarily need an investment of the magnitude that brought Ozil to the Emirates, there's no denying that an extra striker would relieve some of the pressure on Giroud and Nicklas Bendtner.

It would allow Arsenal to make a real run at the title, as well as providing valuable back-up in the event of further injury. With the run of bad luck Wenger has had in that department, it would be a solid investment—at the right price, of course.