Whether Arsenal sign a striker or not hinges on the fitness of Nicklas Bendtner after the Danish striker suffered an injury when scoring the crucial opener against Cardiff on New Years Day.

That is the thought of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger who was speaking at his pre-match press conference today.

Injury situation the key

He also discussed rumours linking Dimitar Berbatov with the club but wasn’t asked about Diego Costa, the Atletico Madrid forward who the Gunners are apparently lining up a £32 million bid for.

When asked about Berbatov, Wenger said:

“He is not a name that we have considered at the moment. We have not even been out on the transfer market, we have not contacted anybody.

“We are just analysing the situation, being very cautious until we are well informed about Bendtner and (Yaya) Sanogo as well, because he is back in training now. We will make a decision after that.”

Limited options

Le Professor went on to reveal that the north London giants are assessing their options at the moment but said they were limited.

“I don’t want to go into any speculation on any specific name,” said Wenger.

“That would not help where the player plays at the moment and would be disrespectful to the player’s club. At the moment we are just considering our options. I must confess they are quite restricted.”

Diego Costa link, surely false?

As mentioned, reports today suggested Arsenal were lining up a £32 million bid for Diego Costa, the Mirror revealed this new this morning.

The article is by Paul Gorst, not John Cross who is normally the man for Gunners news so has to be scrutinized.

Wenger confessing that his options are restricted suggest this is ludicrous. The Brazilian forward has been sensational for Atletico this season and according to the Daily Star has a £32 million buyout clause.

It would be incredibly surprising if Arsenal were to spend that sum of money just months after dishing out £42.5 million for Mesut Ozil.

However, maybe it does depend on Bendtner’s injury, although if he is out long term I think we are more likely to see Berbatov than Costa coming to the Emirates.

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