Wenger open to Wilshere move

Gunners boss could let midfielder move on loan to Clarets

By James Riach   Last updated: 18th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger open to Wilshere move

Wilshere: Burnley target

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he is willing to let young midfielder Jack Wilshere go out on loan to Burnley.

The 17-year-old hot prospect has alerted the interest of Clarets manager Owen Coyle who has expressed his desire to take Wilshere to Turf Moor in a short-term switch.

The England Under 21 international has made six first-team appearances for the Gunners this season and has been used as a back-up player so far.

Wenger admitted that he is an admirer of the way Burnley play football, and said a deal could be done if Arsenal's injury worries ease.

"It is possible, with one condition, that he plays," he said. "Wilshere needs to play. Burnley is a good club which I respect. They play good football, but Jack must want to do it.

"I like the idea, but at the moment we are a bit short. Jack is in the squad nearly every game."

Wenger conceded, though, that if a deal is to be done in January then it will be one of few at the Emirates Stadium.

"People don't realise there is no money in football, in Europe and in general," he added. "We live in dreamland in football.

"If you look at the number of clubs who struggle in the Premier League and in the Championship in England then it's time for us to get a wake-up call.

Quiet January

"In England, in football, the financial situation overall is very poor. So do not expect a very busy transfer market.

"We found (Andrey) Arshavin last season and he was a good signing. Two years before it was (Emmanuel) Adebayor so we have made some good acquisitions in January. But it is more difficult than in the summer."

Arsenal will play FC Porto in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League - the Gunners having played the Portuguese champions in two of the last three seasons.

Wenger remarked: "It is a 50-50 game. Porto are difficult to play against. The advantage is we have a second game at home.

"It's important we try to score away from home but it's a difficult draw. It's a cup game now. Difficult but feasible."

Arsenal take on Hull in the Premier League on Saturday at the end of a week when Wenger spoke of his frustration at his side's congested fixture list.

The Gunners boss was unhappy that the Tigers had no midweek game whilst his team played Burnley on Wednesday, although he has been criticised by the likes of Stoke manager Tony Pulis who told him to 'stop moaning like a drain'.

"I gave my opinion and there is nothing personal in it and I completely understand other managers might have another opinion," Wenger said.

"I am one of the few who really says what he thinks. I am not scared. I give my opinion without any aggression."

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