adminLONDON. — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has conceded defeat in his pursuit of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez after declaring there is “no chance” the Uruguayan will move to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have had two bids for Suarez rejected during the current transfer window and, speaking after his side won 3-0 at Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Champions League play-off, Wenger said they would not be making another offer.
“(There is) absolutely no chance of that,” Wenger said, in remarks widely reported in the British media yesterday.
Arsenal are set to turn their attentions to Real Madrid pair Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria in their search for marquee signings.
Despite the fact Real Madrid have a shortage of recognised centre forwards, manager Carlo Ancelotti will consider selling France international Benzema. And the north London club have held high-level discussions with regards to a move for the striker.
Manager Arsene Wenger is a long-term admirer of Benzema and has tried to sign the striker on several occasions before.
But Arsenal now look well placed to finally land the striker ahead of the September 2 transfer deadline.
Wenger is also keen to land Benzema’s team-mate Di Maria. The Argentina winger may be surplus to requirements if Gareth Bale completes his world-record move from Tottenham to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Wenger has found huge frustration in their attempts to land Suarez and Wayne Rooney, but landing Benzema would soften the blow of missing out on the Barclays Premier League duo. Arsenal have at least £70million to spend on new signings this summer, so affording Benzema and Di Maria should not be a problem for the London club.
But Wenger admitted defeat in his attempts to land Suarez.
“(There is) absolutely no chance of that,” said Wenger when asked about Suarez.
The Gunners boss, though, stressed he was looking to strengthen, especially in midfield, with Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby both also sidelined. “We tried to bring one in, but we are working on that. You have to understand there is still a long way to go,’ he said.
“The transfer market starts for me now and a lot of activity will happen between now and September 2. From August 21 until September 2 you have 12 days, so a lot will happen. It starts now.” — Mailonline.
Online Reporter