‘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.