Wenger keeping eye on Wright-Phillips

The Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said yesterday that Shaun Wright-Phillips is one of the players he has his sights on.

The Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said yesterday that Shaun Wright-Phillips is one of the players he has his sights on.

Wenger, who will be able to observe the winger at close quarters when his side play Manchester City today, said: "He is a guy we have an eye on and we follow his progress. He will be a major threat to us, has a tremendous work-rate and tremendous penetrating power."

Wright-Phillips' stepfather, Ian Wright, is one of Arsenal's most famous old boys, and Wenger added: "He is a Wright - and the Wrights have a big love affair with Arsenal. He is an interesting player, a winner and I like his attitude."

Wenger has once again moved to reassure the club that he is staying and has promised he will sign his new contract before the year is out, despite being linked with the Real Madrid job.

"I have no desire to leave," he said. "If tomorrow I was on the streets and had no job I would not turn down Real Madrid, but I am happy where I am. My target is to develop this club and the team and I feel I have a big job to do here. I shall sign before the end of the year."

Another piece of good news for Gunners fans is that Sol Campbell has been given the green light to return against City. "That is also good news for England," Wenger said. "I believe if he plays two out of our next three games then he will be fully ready for England's next games."