‘Wenger needs to go shopping to fill Vieira void’

FORMER Arsenal midfielder Paul Davis has been impressed by the way Arsene Wenger’s side have coped following the departure of skipper Patrick Vieira, but believes the Gunners boss will look to strengthen his squad during the January sales.

After missing out on Brazilian Julio Baptista during the summer, Wenger did not sign a direct replacement for long-time enforcer Vieira who decided to call time on his Highbury career and join Juventus in a £13.75m deal.

However, in Alexander Hleb, a £10m arrival from Stuttgart, and 17-year-old Alexandre Song, the Arsenal manager at least has two versatile midfielders.

Much of the responsibility this season, though, looks set to fall on Brazil midfielder Gilberto, who has produced consistent displays so far.

With the 28-year-old as his anchor man, Wenger is expected to rotate youngsters Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini, and also his more recent signings, as the Arsenal boss seeks to maintain the side's competitiveness without risking player burn-out.

Davis played more than 400 games for the Gunners after signing as an apprentice in 1977, going on to become an integral part of the successful Arsenal side of the late 1980s, winning the First Division title in 1989 and 1991.

And the 43-year-old believes his former club's current midfielders have performed well during the early part of the new season, but feels they could do with some extra help.

"Arsene will be looking for the right type of player, one who is established in their position and knows what it is about," said Davis.

"It is proving difficult to get the players he needs, as all the teams have their sides set up now. However, Arsene still sounds quite confident he can get through the season without buying."

Davis said: "The players who have come into midfield are exceptional talents for their ages, Flamini and Fabregas have done unbelievably well, while Hleb has also impressed me.

"They are, though, still finding their way in the game, in this league.

"It could possibly work without Arsene bringing someone in, but I would like to see someone else come in to give them some support.

"It is a tough ask to go a whole season for those guys, producing week in, week out at the levels they will be expected to do."

The Arsenal manager could be set for a boost to his defensive ranks for the Premiership clash with Middlesbrough on Saturday after Sol Campbell came through another 90 minutes for the reserves.

The 30-year-old England centre-half has not featured for the first team since the 2-1 defeat by Birmingham on the final day of last season because of a calf problem, but has been in training for several weeks.

Despite playing against both Leicester and, on Monday evening, at Ipswich, Wenger is determined not to take any chances in recalling Campbell too soon.

Davis, though, believes his return would lift the rest of the side.

He said: "Sol being out for the start of the season has proved a big blow, but his return will be like having a new player in the squad."