Arsene Wenger: Arsenal can go distance

Arsene Wenger is adamant his Arsenal players have the required characteristics to remain top of the Premier League table and claim the title.

The Gunners will go into the new year at the Premier League summit on goal difference after Leicester and Manchester City played out a goalless draw on Tuesday night.

In the past, being top at the turn of the year has often been followed by championship celebrations come May — but not for Arsenal.

Wenger’s side have been top three times in the previous 14 years before this one but in none of those seasons have they gone on to lift the trophy and since 2005, only Arsenal and Liverpool have failed to win the league from top spot on January 1.

His unbeaten ‘Invincibles’ were second when 2004 was welcomed in but they overhauled Manchester United to win the crown — and this time round Wenger has backed his squad to show they have the quality to seal a first title in 12 years.

“I believe that we are mature enough and that we have the requested quality to fight and compete,” he said.

“The most important thing is to feel, at the end of the season, that we have given absolutely everything.

“After that, if somebody has been better than us, we will accept it, but we want to fight to show we have a chance.”

Wenger, admits he expects to be busy throughout the January transfer window as he looks to recruit players who can help keep Arsenal on course for the title.

Wenger refused to confirm the club were close to signing Basle midfielder Mohamed Elneny, but did say he will be looking for new faces.

“I’ll be busy, that’s for sure,” he replied when asked about his January transfer business.

“I’m already busy and I said already one month ago we are a bit short to deal with all the competitions we face, especially in midfield. We will be busy, yes.”

When asked specifically about Egypt international Elneny, Wenger was more coy amid speculation the 23-year-old had already undergone a medical: “You know more than I do,” he said.

“Unfortunately we cannot announce anything at the moment about this player because nothing has been concluded.”

While much has been made about who will arrive in north London during the window, Wenger admitted France international full-back Mathieu Debuchy may be allowed to leave the club.

The 30-year-old has fallen below Hector Bellerin in the pecking order having missed a large portion of last season due to two serious injuries.

“It’s not impossible,” Wenger said when asked if Debuchy may leave the club in January.

He added: “I’m happy if he stays but we’ll see.”