Arsenal Considered Buying Marouane Chamakh & David Villa - Arsene Wenger

Boss reveals offers for pair were mulled over...

Jan 31, 2010 1:10:00 PM

By Zack Wilson

More On :  Arsenal, Bordeaux, Valencia CF
EPL: Arsene Wenger, Everton v Arsenal (PA)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the Gunners did weigh up making offers for Girondins Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh and Valencia's David Villa as they sought cover for the injured Robin van Persie this winter.

However, the north Londoners were frustrated in their pursuit of both players by their current clubs' unwillingness to sell.

"It is not only about wanting to buy, it is to find better players than what you have available and we haven't until now. It is as simple as that," Wenger told the Gunners' official website.

"You always want to add a [Cristiano] Ronaldo if you can, but is he available and where is he?

"Marouane Chamakh is not available because he is playing with Bordeaux and Bordeaux don't want to release him. David Villa as well, Valencia don't want to let him go."

The Gunners boss believes that his current squad has enough depth already within the ranks to continue pushing for honours this season though.

"I believe as well the extra push can come within the club and the easy solution is always to look outside," he addded

"When you look deeply at what is happening to us, we have the best attack in the league; we scored more goals than anybody else. That means at least if you can do that for the first 20 or 21 games, why not in the other 18?"

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