Wenger: No Sahin deal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has downplayed reports linking the club with Real Madrid midfielder 
Nuri Sahin.

Sahin, 23, was the focus of reports in Spanish newspapers AS and Marca, with the latter suggesting that Arsenal had struck a deal to take him on loan for the 2012-13 season.

Wenger, though, has denied the claims and insists the club is not close to securing any new recruits.

Speaking after their 2-0 defeat against Manchester City, Wenger said: "We did not sign anybody today, this report is wrong. We are not signing anybody at the moment - we are not close. In the future you never know."

Once more, Wenger faced questions on the future of striker Robin Van Persie, who has been the subject of a confirmed bid from Manchester United, as well as offers believed to be from Manchester City and Juventus.

Wenger was giving little away, adding: " We could come back forever on Van Persie. We have our main strikers at home and Van Persie is one of them.

"But we have Podolski and Giroud who are at home, so we have plenty of strikers. For us at the moment it is to prepare for the season - it is more than any individual player."