The arrival of Arsenal's long-term target Samir Nasri could see the departure of unsettled Belarus winger Alexander Hleb to Barcelona confirmed next week.
The 27-year-old - who said he was "mentally tired" of London life - has claimed "serious negotiations" were already under way with the Spanish club, and a £13million switch close to completion.
Wenger has been keen to keep all of his squad together - including last season's top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor, who remains a target for both Barcelona and AC Milan.
However, the Arsenal manager always has a back-up plan, having already brought in promising Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey to someway offset the departure of midfielder Mathieu Flamini
Nasri revealed he was ready to repay the faith of the renowned French coach.
"Arsene has a great reputation and has proved that he puts a lot of confidence in the young players and he gives them a chance," said the 21-year-old France international.
"It was very important for me to have such a great manager to work with."
Nasri - who has joined the Gunners on what is described as a 'long-term contract' for an undisclosed fee, understood to be around £12million, from Marseille - feels he has all the qualities to fit right in with the culture of "amazing football" at Emirates Stadium.
"I like offensive, technical and quick football - exactly in the style of Arsenal," he declared.
"I hope I will integrate myself quickly in this team and bring everything I can to Arsenal and the fans.
"I can play in the centre or on the wing, behind one or two strikers, on the left or the right."
Nasri added: "Last season I found the Arsenal way of playing football amazing.
"Unfortunately, the team just missed out on winning a trophy, but, in my opinion, Arsenal produced the best football in Europe.
"I was a big fan of the team and of its football philosophy, which makes it so great for me to be joining the club."
Wenger can now look forward to shaping his team when they head out to Austria later this month in the build up to the new season, which kicks off with a Champions League qualifier on August 12 or 13.
As well as resolving Hleb's situation, Wenger will also want the future of Adebayor to be confirmed before the Gunners' start their pre-season schedule in earnest.
Portugal Under-21 international Amaury Bischoff, who has been released by German side Werder Bremen, is said to be on Wenger's radar, along with Newcastle front man Obafemi Martins and Blackburn's Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz, both rated around £13million, while Colombia international Radamel Falcao Garcia would welcome a move to Emirates from River Plate.
Reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid have secured first option on £18million-rated Ajax starlet Klaas Huntelaar, whom Wenger was keen to pair with Arsenal's own Dutch forward Robin van Persie.
There could yet be more departures, though, as Panathinaikos hope to tie up a deal for veteran central midfielder Gilberto Silva.
More news from SportingLife.com
Comment 1 - 10 of 10
I thnk Arsenal is taking a big chance buying a teen like Aaron. Nasri as far as he is in the team is AWESOME, but wenger has to carefull he doesn't buy too many French player. Who is Garry Barry i hace been watching the premier leage for 7 years and have never heard of him before. Ithink arsenal need a goalkeeper most Alumia or wat ever his name is is too slopy.
in all what we need now most is defence because thats most place we lack laste season then we can now come for strikers and midfelders to be honest with you aidy megeady is a good player aldoe i trust wenger he knows goog players but we must get defenders i mean good onec.
to me the chase should be between santa cruz & Martins
all i am saying is that Gunners should strenghten their defence and attack. those are the areas they were lacking last season.
from chike
IF HLEB GOES ,WE CAN GO FOR AIDY MCGEADY HE IS ANOTHER PLAYER THAT CAN FILL INTO HLEB SHOES WENGER CAN MAKE HIM WORLD CLASS PLAYER IN NO TIME,GO GET AIDY WENGER AND FAR LESSER THAN ALL PLAYERS IN THE PAPER AND NEWS WAGES DEMAND MOST IMPORTANTLY HE IS FAST,STYLISH,TRICKY
alphonso why the **** do u think we need 4 ****in strikers idiot
emmm i want arsenal to know that bringing this small under age player can not help them when you talk about champions or uefa cup.you have to know that!!
mr alphonso u dream a lot......
Arsenal have made a bid for Gareth Barry - get in there Wenger my son.
If the Gunners could scoop the pairs Amaury Bischoff 21, Obafemi Martins 23, Roque Santa Cruz 24, Klaas Huntelaar 23, Radamel Falcao Garcia 19, then Arsenal will grab all the trophies it will enter this season.
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account