Olympique Lyon's Gourcuff and Gonalons celebrate after scoring against Saint-Etienne during their French Ligue 1 soccer match at the Gerland stadium in Lyon
Olympique Lyon's Yoann Gourcuff (L) and Maxime Gonalons celebrate after scoring against Saint-Etienne during their French Ligue 1 soccer match at the Gerland stadium in Lyon October 29, 2011. REUTERS

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested he will continue to monitor the progress of Lyon star Yoann Gourcuff even though he has dismissed reports linking the Gunners with a move for the midfielder next month.

The mercurial playmaker has long been associated with a possible move to Arsenal and Wenger has regularly championed the 25-year-old's evident ability even though the France international has suffered a lengthy dip in form.

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas claimed recently that Arsenal tried to sign the former Bordeaux star in the summer, and speculation has once again purported to further interest from the Gunners.

In light of the recent reports citing Arsenal's interest in Gourcuff, Wenger suggests the imminent returns of Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby, makes a midfield addition at the Emirates unlikely, even though he once again hinted at his admiration for the graceful Ligue 1 star.

"No. In midfield I have Wilshere and Diaby, who will be back, and that would mean a lot of players." The Arsenal manager told L'Equipe when asked about the Gourcuff link.

Although keen to distance Arsenal from rumours of a pending move next month, Wenger believes Gourcuff remains a hugely enticing player, who has the capacity to restore his previously lofty reputation following his successful rehabilitation from ankle surgery in July.

"I see his evolution in a positive way," The Arsenal boss continued. "He is back from a long injury that put him away from the pitch for five months.

"He needs time to come back. That is typical. From January to May, he has time to get back to his best."

Arsenal were strongly linked with Gourcuff when he first burst onto the scene at Rennes and Wenger has monitored the player's topsy-turvy career to date.