Wenger keeps the purse-strings shut tight

ARSENE WENGER has warned Arsenal to get back to defensive basics to win back the title, but will still not strengthen his back four even after the departure of utility player Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

While Chelsea and Manchester United have strengthened their squads, Arsenal are prepared to allow van Bronckhorst join Barcelona on a year-long loan with a view to a permanent move.

Wenger insists, however, it will still not persuade him to delve into the transfer market for the experienced defender many pundits believe the Gunners still need.

"If we don't have bad injuries, I won't consider bringing anyone else."

"There is a right number in the squad where competition is positive and another number when players feel they don't have the chance to play."

That competition for places led to van Bronckhorst being reunited subject to a medical with his former Holland manager Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona.

Despite joining Arsenal in an £8.5m deal just two years ago, he has been a peripheral figure at Highbury.

Wenger, who has also allowed Jermaine Pennant to leave on loan but has no plans to offload Francis Jeffers as well, believes Arsenal can cope without van Bronckhorst, who can play in midfield or at left-back.

"We already have eight or nine players in midfield, while there is Ashley Cole at left-back, as well as possibly Pascal Cygan or Kolo Toure and two younger players, Gael Clichy and Ryan Garry," he said.

Instead, Wenger will increasingly rely on the promise of Toure, coupled with a strict instruction to his strikers and defenders not to ignore their defensive duties.

"Our 42 goals conceded last season were, first of all, the reason we lost the league and so we must improve that without losing our offensive power."

"We have worked on that and we are trying to improve it. The first signs are quite positive. Now we have to sustain that type of attitude for a longer period."