Gooner Talk

Gooner Talk can exclusively reveal that Arsene Wenger has refused to deny the consistent rumours concerning Russia forward Andrey Arshavin.

Zenit St Petersberg star Arshavin has attracted an array of admiring clubs on the strength of two spectacular Euro 2008 performances against Sweden and the Netherlands, Arsenal are said to be one of them.

French tactician Wenger admitted on French TV that he doesn’t have £40 million to spend in the January transfer window, but surprisingly revealed what positions he’s looking to strengthen in and also answered a question about Arshavin.

Wenger, speaking to Canal + said:

“I start feeling the crisis but I can’t spend £40m. We are looking at a creative player and another midfielder.”

When asked about the Arshavin link, Wenger replied with a coy smile and answer.

“Be a little patient. From the moment you give a name, you remove 50% chance of success to sign him.”

Whilst talking to British broadcaster Sky Sports, once again the Arsenal boss remained secretive on his January transfer plans.

You can watch the interview with Sky here.

Zenit St Petersberg star Arshavin has attracted an array of admiring clubs on the strength of two spectacular Euro 2008 performances against Sweden and the Netherlands.

It seems Arshavin is destined to be the replacement for Cesc Fabregas after the Spaniard sustained a long-term knee injury that will keep him out for four months.

With thanks to Vince from ASCFR for the French TV quotes and JD for the Canal + link.

Arsenal’s French defensive duo Gael Clichy and summer signing Mikael Silvestre are fit for Saturday’s Premier League match with Hull City.

Clichy, 22, was on the receiving end of a strong challenge from Bolton’s Kevin Davies and was immediately driven to hospital with what looked like at the time, a broken leg. Luckily for the former Cannes youngster, he only sustained bruising to the shin.

As for Silvestre, the ex-United defender looks set to play a part in the game after recovering from a mixture of thigh and ankle injuries since joining early last month.

“I am really pleased that Gael is available,” said the manager. “He had a training session today for the first time and he should develop well in the next 48 hours.” said Wenger.

“However Mikael Silvestre is available and we did not have any injuries from last week [against Bolton]. The likes of Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott have recovered fully so everyone is available.”

Cameroonian International Alex Song took a knock on his hip during the latter stages of Tuesday’s Carling Cup mauling against Sheffield United and remains a massive doubt.

“Alex has a fitness test tomorrow,” said the manager. “He had a kick on his hip [in midweek] and it is very tender.

Saturday’s opponents Hull City have injury problems of their own. Neither Greek legend Stelios Giannakopoulos nor Anthony Gardner will take part in the gamel.

Gooner Talk will provide all the build-up towards Saturday’s 4pm kick-off and a match report will be posted up immediately after the full time whistle – stay locked, on the #1 site for all of Arsenal’s first team news and views.