Arsene Wenger reveals remaining Arsenal transfer plans after Man City win

Arsene Wenger has admitted that he may be forced to dip into the transfer market before next weekend’s Premier League opener against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.

The Frenchman’s latest comments come after Gabriel Paulista was carried off on a stretcher with a suspected ankle injury during Arsenal’s 3-2 pre-season friendly win over Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

Wenger was already thought to be on the lookout for a new defender following the news that Per Mertesacker would be out for a number of months with a knee injury.

Now, the Arsenal manager admits that his hand may be forced in the transfer market ahead of next weekend’s clash.

Speaking at his post-match news conference on Sunday night, Wenger said: “I’ve said many times that we are in the market.

“Of course it’s not an easy market for us.

“Let’s hope we have good news from Gabriel. Laurent Koscielny is back in training [on Monday] but he might be short for next week [against Liverpool].

“If Gabriel is out, Per Mertesacker is out and Koscielny not ready – that’s a lot of players.”

Arsenal kick off their Premier League bid with a home clash against Liverpool at The Emirates on 14 August.

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The Gunners have not won the top flight trophy since their famous unbeaten triumph in the 2003-04 campaign.