LONDON — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sought to calm frustration among the club's fans over a lack of new signings by saying Friday that he hoped to bring in two or three players before the transfer window closes. The north London club starts its Premier League season at home to Aston Villa Saturday having failed to land any of the big names it has been linked with and its only addition is French youth international forward Yaya Sanogo. “I don't disagree that we are a bit light at the moment but there is 18 days to go until the end of the transfer market and we are of course looking to strengthen our squad,” Wenger told a news conference. “I understand every frustration, you have so many frustrated people, but what is important is the quality of what you do on the pitch, so let's not create a crisis from nothing,” he added. “We just played a good game last week (a 3-1 win over Manchester City in a friendly) so let's transfer that to the next game and not start to convince everybody that the quality of the team that starts Saturday will be linked with the number of players we buy between today and tomorrow.” Arsenal has been chasing Liverpool's unsettled striker Luis Suarez but has had its 40 million and one pound ($61.9 million) bid turned down, while it was also linked with Gonzalo Higuain who has instead joined Napoli from Real Madrid. Asked if Arsenal were still pursuing Uruguay international Suarez, Wenger replied with a smile: “Look, I don't want to come out on any specific name because that would not be alright, usually in the press you are well informed.” Arsenal's search for new players could become more urgent as the injuries have been mounting before the season has even started with central defender Thomas Vermaelen, midfielder Abou Diaby and fullback Nacho Monreal already sidelined. Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta is the latest addition to the list having picked up a thigh injury in training and could miss the first six weeks of the season, Wenger said. “It could be as long (as six weeks) but honestly we don't know yet. We have to check the severity with the doctor,” Wenger was quoted as saying on the club website (www.arsenal.com). Arsenal, which finished fourth last season to secure a Champions League playoff spot, is not the only club having little luck in the transfer window with Premier League champions Manchester United and third-placed Chelsea in similar positions. “Ideally you would want to be quicker, but to finalize (a) transfer you need agreement of three parties,” Wenger said. “You look at us, Chelsea and Manchester United — it's difficult to find quality players to strengthen the team and squad because there is a shortage of top players who are available. “It is not the question about spending the money it is a question of finding the right players, you know. As I told you, you are well informed, you for certain have heard that we are not scared to spend money but we want the right players.” With the transfer window shutting on Sept. 2, there is still time for some activity and Wenger hopes to seal a few deals. “It's impossible to give you a number. The first request is quality to play for Arsenal Football Club. After the number comes in, yes we would like two or three players, if possible more,” he said. “But we won't compromise on the quality of the players.” Arsenal visits Fenerbahce in their Champions league playoff Wednesday with the return leg at the Emirates on Aug. 27. Suarez retuns to training — reports Controversial Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has returned to first-team training, British media reported Friday. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had said the only way the Uruguay forward would be back training alongside his teammates was if he first apologized for suggesting the Reds boss had gone back on a deal allowing him to leave for a Champions League club. However there has, as yet, been no public confirmation from Liverpool as to whether Suarez has apologized. Last week Suarez was told to train by himself after Rodgers said his attitude had been well below the standard expected by the Merseyside club. Rodgers, speaking after last week's friendly defeat by Celtic, said Suarez would have to say 'sorry' before being welcomed back into the Anfield fold. "Initially there will be a recognition that (there needs to be) an apology to his teammates and the club," he said. "When he is back from his international trip (Suarez went to Japan with Uruguay in midweek) we will assess it from there. "He is a world-class striker and when he is committed to the cause we will welcome him back with open arms." Liverpool's principal owner John W Henry has declared Suarez will not be allowed to leave the club, while captain Steven Gerrard has urged him to stay. Suarez will miss the first six games of the new season as he completes a 10-game suspension for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in April, and Rodgers said Thursday he did not want to discuss the 26-year-old forward until he returns at the end of September. — Agencies
