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Wenger - Transfer deadline a poker game

Arsene Wenger has compared the final days of the transfer window to a poker game - and says that to be successful you must be able to call a bluff.

The Arsenal manager admits he will be “active” before Monday’s deadline but will not be rushed into any panic signings.

The Frenchman says that while a lot of business will be done all over Europe, it is not as easy as you might think to get deals over the line.

"There's a lot of lies there in the few days, everybody is interested in the same player even if you're the only one who wants the player"

Arsene Wenger

“It's harder to buy top, top, top players, yes,” he said. “Many clubs are on the market and everybody knows each other.

“The last few days are poker games. There's a lot of lies there in the few days, everybody is interested in the same player even if you're the only one who wants the player.

“[When you are experienced] you can call it a bluff when it is a bluff.”

Following Olivier Giroud’s injury, Arsenal have been linked with a host of strikers - but Wenger is confident they can challenge even without any further additions.

“You have decided that I have to buy strikers - I have not necessarily decided that! I promise you that if we sign somebody, we'll inform you,” he said.

“I will be actively involved but on the last day of the window. I will of course be on alert until the last minute of the transfer deadline.”

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