Arsène Wenger rules out center back purchase in January

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has ruled out any transfers at the center back position during the January window, he said during his press conference today:

"I have had no contact [with Bolton about Cahill]," Wenger said.

"We have plenty of centre backs, fortunately they can play on the flanks too as they are at the moment. We are not looking for any centre backs. No chance."

It's perhaps a little surprising that people are still asking about purchases for the center of defense, as so far this year, just about anyone paired with Thomas Vermaelen in the center (particularly Laurent Koscielny) has looked solid. With those two, Per Mertesacker, and Johan Djourou back there, Arsenal have a good mixture of talent and experience, and despite individual weaknesses (except for Vermaelen, of course, who knows no weakness or defect), the unit as a whole has come together well.

Full back, of course, is a little thin at the moment. Wenger only wants a short-term solution there, if any (after the jump):

"I have to see what is available - if I have a good opportunity then why not? But I haven’t made any enquiry yet, so for the moment no Wayne Bridge or anyone else.

"It is of course something we look at but as well it depends on how long you have to take them," added Wenger.

"They have a big impact on your wages as well. If you have to sign a player for three or four years and then you have three or four left backs, only one can play, so they are not happy.

"It can only be a short-term solution for us because we have bought Santos, we have Gibbs, we have Vermaelen who can play there, so we do not need a long-term solution."

At this point, I worry that Gibbs is the new Diaby, but what do I know? I'd rather have a short-term left back to spell Santos at this point.

At any rate, at this point, Arsenal's needs are perhaps more pressing in attack. A midfielder who can play behind the striker to spell Aaron Ramsey might be good, as long as Jack Wilshere is still out. Park is a little untested as of yet as a backup for van Persie, but he will have to fill in at some point. Yossi Benayoun looks lively whenever he comes on, and obviously he made a difference on Wednesday. Tomas Rosicky and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also potential choices, but if Arsenal need depth anywhere besides fullback, it's in the attacking portions of the midfield.