Gunners line up Hart raid

Hart: Attracting interest

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the club are capable of buying the players they need amid reports of an £8million bid for Joe Hart.

The Blues shot-stopper has been in sensational form since arriving at St Andrews on a season-long loan from parent club Manchester City.

His displays have given him an outside hope of making England's World Cup squad, and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is understood to be a keen admirer of the 23-year-old.

The performances of Arsenal's current first-choice keeper Manuel Almunia have come under scrutiny this season and, with cash available to spend in the summer, Wenger is on the lookout for a more reliable man between the posts.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Wigan, Wenger admitted the club cannot compete financially with title rivals Chelsea, however, there are still quality players within their budget.

Wenger told the Sunday Mirror: "Our financial situation is becoming stronger and we will be capable of buying the players we need.

"All the top players cannot go to Chelsea. There are players outside of what Chelsea want to buy that are good enough for us."

Fantastic

The Frenchman also spoke of his frustration after injuries have left his team decimated for the crunch stage of the season.

Arsenal sit six points off leaders Chelsea with a game in hand, however, their hopes of a first league title since 2003/04 have been hindered with injuries to a number of key players.

"If you go into the final push without (Cesc) Fabregas, (William) Gallas, (Robin) Van Persie, (Andrey) Arshavin and (Alex) Song - well, if you take Xavi and (Lionel) Messi from Barcelona, I want to see what they would do," added Wenger.

"The club has never been in a stronger situation. It has a fantastic stadium, fantastic training facilities, it is in a fantastic financial situation and we gave a very young team that is playing at the top.

"All the ingredients are here to be very successful and I believe we will be."

The Sunday tabloid also believe the French tactician is to be offered a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2014.

Wenger has 18 months left on his current deal, but the Arsenal hierarchy appear determined to keep him at Emirates Stadium for at least another four years.

Sky Bet - Transfer Specials - Joe Hart's club after Summer Transfer Window - Arsenal 6/4