Wenger: league is still our main goal
The Gunners are currently in their worst run of domestic form for nine seasons, with Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea stretching a winless streak to five league matches.
Arsenal face the imminent prospect of a Champions League quarter-final with Liverpool, but Wenger insists the immediate focus is on picking up a much-needed victory over relegation battlers Bolton on Saturday afternoon.
“We want to do well in the Premier League and not dream about the Champions League — we have to fight back,” said the Gunners boss.
Full-back Gael Clichy feels Arsenal have what it takes to recover championship-winning form.
“If we win all the games, anything is possible — but we have to be realistic and not drop any more points.”
Clichy picked up a slight hamstring problem at Stamford Bridge, but has reported for international duty.
The full-back is hoping to feature against England tonight in what would be his first full cap.
“It would be fantastic to play against England,” he said.
“Hopefully it will be enough to show the French coach I could be part of the European Championship squad. I think I have the quality to do so.”
Another Arsenal player set for international duty this week is Gilberto.
The veteran midfielder will not have to travel far as Brazil take on Sweden at Emirates Stadium.
Gilberto did not even make the bench against Chelsea on Sunday, and the 31-year-old indicated he may move on in the summer.
“If a good opportunity comes along, I don’t see any other option,” he said.
Wenger, meanwhile, has hinted he may be ready to move into the transfer market to swoop for £12 million-rated Lyon winger Hatem Ben Arfa. The 21-year-old France international is frustrated at being on the fringes of the Lyon team and has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
“If he is for sale, then we are very interested,” Wenger told French TV. “He is a great player and Arsenal is a potential destination for any great player.”
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