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Wenger on possible signings and Arteta

Arsene Wenger is "open to any opportunity" to add to his defensive options before the transfer window closes.

This year's deadline passes at 11pm on Monday, September 1 and Arsenal have been linked with plenty of centre backs in the wake of Thomas Vermaelen's departure.

A defensive midfielder could also be on Wenger's radar, especially if Mikel Arteta is ruled out for a significant period.

"We are like you [the media], we listen to the names. Sometimes I look at who we buy in the media but at the moment we are not in an emergency case," said Wenger.

"I can’t tell you how likely I am [to make a signing], I just said I am open to doing it"

"We have the players we want but we are open as well to any opportunity until the end of the transfer window, who can strengthen our defensive department in quality and number.

"I can’t tell you how likely I am [to make a signing], I just said I am open to doing it. It has to be linked with the needed quality. If you ask today the 20 top clubs in the world what they look for, they all look for the same positions. That means it is not necessarily out there."

Arteta suffered an ankle injury during Tuesday's 0-0 draw at Besiktas and had a scan on Wednesday. Wenger was awaiting the results when he attended his pre-match press conference.

"[If he is out for a while] we will be a bit short of course," he said. "If it's a long-term injury, that puts us in a position where we have to be creative."

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