Transfer news: Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal need a new striker, despite easing injury crisis

Arsenal still in the hunt for a new forward as the injury crisis eases

Arsene Wenger (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remains adamant that the Premier League leaders are still pursuing a new striker even as the club's injury list continues to shorten.

The Gunners have endured a tough January as their ever-burgeoning injury crisis escalated even further after Olivier Giroud, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott all fell foul.

Much-maligned Bendtner will resume full training on Monday while French under-21 striker Yaya Sanogo is due to join up a week later after his long-running back problem.

In need of forward cover, Wenger is thought to prefer a loan deal in order to preserve funds for next summer.

Juventus are ready to sell Mirko Vucinic, one of his major targets, but are not interested in a short-term deal while Schalke do not want to part with Julian Draxler this month.

Wenger has insisted, however, they are "not especially interested" in Vucinic.

"Ideally if it's possible we'd like another striker," he said. "I'll give you my phone number, if you find an exceptional (player), you can call me over the weekend. Ideally, though we have not found anyone.

"We are open to strengthening our squad if it's possible. But as well we have Bendtner back in the squad on Monday. Sanogo is back in the squad on Monday week.

"But for us, it's important to know everybody can score. Ramsey is a goalscorer and he's not playing at the moment. Arteta can get us a goal and he's not playing. That's very positive, I think.

"That's the best thing that can happen for us. If you depend on one player then you have to put him in cotton wool to keep him fit."