Wenger Reveals Arsenal Were Hoping To Bring In More Deadline Day Buys

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Arsenal were in the market for one or two more players on deadline day - but says he was happy to have made a statement by signing Mesut Ozil.

Wenger was questioned for not spending a penny of his transfer budget in the early months of the off-season and, as the Gunners fell to a 3-1 opening-day loss to Aston Villa, it appeared that morale amongst supporters was at an all-time low.

But Arsenal were eventually able to smash their transfer record and prise Ozil from Real Madrid - transforming the mood at the Emirates and leaving many fans dreaming of a title challenge.

During his first press conference since the Ozil signing, Wenger revealed that he was open to the possibility of bringing in more players, with a striker believed to have been targeted.

He told Arsenal Media: "We were open to bring one more player in, or two."

Wenger had tried unsuccessfully to bring Luis Suarez into the squad, and had a deadline day bid for Demba Ba rebuffed by Chelsea.

After breaking Arsenal's transfer record by almost £30m, Wenger clearly believes the Germany international can take his squad to the next level.

"I looked a bit lonely when I said I was optimistic [about a big signing]" he quipped. "At the Tottenham game I thought we would manage it.

"Of course [the Ozil signing is a statement]. We are now in a stronger position."

He added: "Ozil is at a good age, he is already a great player. There is room for him to become dominant and step up."

Ozil is set to make his debut for Arsenal when the side take on Sunderland this Saturday. And the news that the Gunners were chasing more players in the lead up to deadline day would suggest that Wenger is open to the possibility of building the squad further come the winter transfer window.