Wenger hints towards January signings

London: Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal have money to spend in the January transfer window, if the need for additional signings should arise.

Wenger has previously been criticised for a reluctance to spend big in the transfer market, opting to sign younger players at a reduced rate, in contrast to some of the club's biggest rivals such as Manchester City and Chelsea.

The 62-year-old has always maintained that there is money to spend at the Emirates, and with forwards Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho set to depart for the African Cup of Nations, Wenger has hinted he may invest when the window opens next month.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: "We lose players like Chamakh and Gervinho to the African Cup of Nations, so hopefully touch wood we do not get any injuries to our strikers.

"But if an opportunity turns up in that department then we will buy.

"The situation, I must say, is a bit special. Economically the whole environment has changed and people suffer more. The clubs will suffer more financially and it's much more difficult.

"Maybe we will have some opportunities because we are in a good financial situation."

The Frenchman may also look to defensive reinforcements, with Andre Santos, Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs all sidelined with injury.