Wenger wants 'real gem' to add sparkle to Arsenal

ARSENE WENGER is looking for the "real gem" who can add sparkle to his riches at Arsenal next season.

The Arsenal boss already seems poised to capture Feyenoord striker Robin van Persie, who he came close to signing in January before he swooped for Jose Reyes instead.

The 20-year-old Dutchman, who is seen as a long-term replacement for compatriot Dennis Bergkamp, is expected to have his future confirmed by the end of this week.

However, while he could cost up to stg£3million, Wenger has already been linked with some of the biggest names in English football Michael Owen, John Terry and Steven Gerrard.

Whether he has the funds for that sort of major investment remains to be seen, having claimed last weekend that his total summer budget was around stg£6million. But chairman Peter Hill-Wood has already indicated that although there will not be enough cash for a "mega-bucks" player, there will "certainly be as much as there was this season".

That, including the stg£6million down-payment on Reyes, equates to more than stg£8million, meaning Wenger could still have some spending to do even after van Persie.

"The first aim is to keep the global stability of the group, but the injection of new blood has already started with the arrival of Reyes," said Wenger.

"Actually, 90% of the job has been settled but, if I can find a real gem, I will make an effort. For financial reasons, it is not possible to have a richer squad."

Wenger probably also needs to sign another defender, with Martin Keown out of contract this summer. He may also be considering a move for another goalkeeper to put pressure on Jens Lehmann, with Sebastien Frey and Antti Niemi both in the frame.

Wenger must decide on the futures of Bergkamp, Kanu and Sylvain Wiltord, who are also out of contract at the end of this season.

A final one-year deal for Bergkamp, who turns 35 next month, appears likely, while Kanu seems certain to leave and Wiltord could follow.

Then there is Francis Jeffers, who Arsenal are keen to sell, while Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Jermaine Pennant could also leave after being out on loan all season.

The nucleus of the squad is nevertheless already there, with Reyes, Thierry Henry and Jeremie Aliadiere providing attacking options even before van Persie's expected arrival.

Although Feyenoord have declined to confirm details of van Persie's plans, reports in Holland suggest he could move to Highbury later this week.

Wenger is also confident in the quality of his younger players coming through the ranks, with the likes of David Bentley, Gael Clichy, Philippe Senderos, Francesc Fabregas and Justin Hoyte all set to feature next season.

"We have never had as many good young players as we have now. I will give several of them chances in the first team next season," Wenger said.