Arsene Wenger has warned his transfer targets they face a fight to force their way into Arsenal’s starting line-up.
Wenger is stepping up his recruitment drive at the Emirates and has been linked with several players, including Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League qualifying second leg against Fenerbahce, the Frenchman said: “The new guy who could come in will not start every week.
“We might be in the position where we buy a big player and he will not play. What is good in our job, it’s just about quality. Most of the time, the quality is linked with the price, but not always.”
Wenger watched on as his team outclassed Fulham with a 3-1 triumph in the Premier League at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
And the manager has praised the hunger of his stars. He added: “I think players play like that because they enjoy the style of play and because they are ambitious – they want to win the league. The players want as well to strengthen the squad.
“You see when you see them play that they enjoy to play together. It’s the first year as well that we have not lost players. We have not been traumatised by losing people. If we can gain one or two more, even three, we will do it. At the moment, I don’t think we played like that because of that fear for places.”
Meanwhile, Carl Jenkinson says he is delighted with the way Arsenal have responded since the defeat on the opening day of the season to Aston Villa.
He said: “The last two games we’ve put in good team performances all over the pitch.
“Everyone has done well and everyone has done their job. Defensively we’ve only conceded one goal and we’ve scored six so I think that speaks for itself.
“Of course after the first game, everyone was down and I think it was important that we responded quickly and we did that against Fenerbahce. I think the last couple of games have given everyone that extra confidence that you need. Hopefully we can go on a good, strong run now.”
“When you’re playing for Arsenal, you don’t want to lose any game and you’re not expected to lose so to lose the first game at home was very tough on everyone.
“I think everyone took it a bit personally and looked at themselves and thought ‘that isn’t good enough’. We’ve gone out since and I think in the last two games we’ve performed exceptionally.
“Everyone’s lifted their game, which was important, and we’ve got to continue to do that if we’re going to be successful this season.”
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