Wenger Not in Pursuit of Berbatov as Striker-less Gunners Prepare for Tottenham

Arsene Wenger has insisted Dimitar Berbatov is not one of the names under the club's consideration during the January transfer window despite a number of growing fitness concerns for the Frenchman up front.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United striker has made his intention to leave Fulham clear through his agent over the past month and a move to Emirates Stadium has become a possible destination with reports suggesting a £2m move could be in the offing.

But Wenger has played down such a possibility, telling reporters: "He is not a name we have considered at the moment," when quizzed on the striker.

The Arsenal manager is likely to be without both his striking options ahead of the visit of Tottenham in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend. Olivier Giroud is "90 per cent" likely to miss the tie having missed training on Friday through illness, while Nicklas Bendtner is expected to miss out after suffering an ankle strain against Cardiff, although the Dane will undergo a scan later today.

Mesut Ozil is also a doubt with a shoulder injury, while Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey are also unavailable through injury, leaving Wenger with a selection headache ahead of the visit of Tim Sherwood's side.

"We have lost Nicklas Bendtner," Wenger said. "Giroud's ankle was quite positive but he is sick. Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey remain out."

On the matches with Tottenham, Wenger said: "Our rivalry with Tottenham hasn't changed -- it's always a fight to get in front of them. The FA Cup has a special meaning for everyone. It is a big competition and everyone wants to win it."

With both Giroud and Bendtner unavailable, Wenger is faced with the prospect of taking on the club's arch rivals without a fit striker in his squad. 20-year-old forward Yaya Sanogo, who caused a stir this week by seemingly 'welcoming' Dimitar Berbatov to the club, is still struggling with a back injury.

Highly rated Under-21 star Chuba Apkom may be a name to be considered after the 18-year-old impressed for the club during pre-season.