Wenger could add to his midfield before end of August

The injury of club captain Mikel Arteta probably could be a blessing in disguise for Arsene Wenger, who has since said he may dip back into the transfer window to sign a midfielder that fans have craved all summer.

Arsenal, who are 5/1 title shots, have lacked a defensive anchorman in the centre of the park since the likes of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva left the club.

Sami Khedira, William Carvalho and Lars Bender have been linked with a move to the Emirates ever since the transfer window swung open, however a move has failed to materialise. There are differing reports regarding Khedira’s availability, with Real boss Carlo Ancelotti claiming not too long ago that no player will be leaving the Bernabeu. However, the German was then left out of the club’s Spanish Super Cup first leg against rivals Atletico, and there are rumours of a lower £12m asking price, which Wenger may now be inclined to meet.

Asked following the Besiktas match whether he was in for new midfielder, the Gunners manager said: “We are not against that, no. We are like you, we listen to the names, sometimes I look who we buy in the media but at the moment as I told you we are not in an emergency case.

“We have the players we want but we are open as well to any opportunity until the end of the transfer window, who can strengthen our defensive department in quality and number,” continued Wenger, whose Arsenal side struggled past Crystal Palace in their opening Premier League match of the season, eventually recording a 2-1 victory.

“I can’t tell you how likely I am, I just said to you I am open to doing it. It has to be linked with the needed quality. I tell you something, if you ask today 20 top clubs in the world what they look for, they all look for the same positions. That means it is not necessarily out there.”

The club take on Everton next in their second league match of the season, a game they are 6/4 to win, and he must find a way to fill the void left by Arteta.