Wayne Bridge
Bridge is set to exit City. REUTERS

Arsene Wenger has name checked Wayne Bridge as a possible target for Arsenal in the January transfer window, but the Gunners manager has revealed he hasn't made a formal enquiry as yet for the former England international.

Bridge has struggled for game time at Manchester City, and Roberto Mancini vented his frustration over the left back's situation, telling reporters: "Wayne is a good guy, but for every player it should be important to play.

"Wayne has had two or three chances [to go somewhere] and in the summer, he had the chance to play for Celtic and this is an important team."

With an exit looking likely for Bridge, the defender would seem to solve a big injury problem for Arsenal, who are without Kieran Gibbs for at least a month after he suffered a setback in his recovery.

While Wenger admits that he is looking in the market, he says no formal approaches have been made for Bridge, or any other defender, at this stage.

"It depends now on how quickly Sagna [will come back]," Wenger said. "He has started to run a little bit.

"I have to see what is available - if I have a good opportunity then why not? But I haven't made any enquiry yet, so for the moment no Wayne Bridge or anyone else.

"It is of course something we look at but as well it depends on how long you have to take them.

"They have a big impact on your wages as well. If you have to sign a player for three or four years and then you have three or four left backs, only one can play, so they are not happy.

"It can only be a short-term solution for us because we have bought Santos, we have Gibbs, we have Vermaelen who can play there, so we do not need a long-term solution."

While City appear to be hoping to sell Bridge, Arsenal may make a loan offer that the club find attractive enough if they can't find an appropriate destination for the star.

January looks set to be a busy month for the Gunners, with Wenger admitting they may need to bolster in their mission to make it back into the top four and be included in Champions League contention.