Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger remains hopeful he won't have to buy in January. Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has been linked with a move to the club but Wenger has warned that it will be tough to find a striker who is able to fill Van Persie's boots in January.

"I want to see if we are still in this same position at the beginning of January," Wenger said.

"But let's not dream too much that in January we will be able to find a world class player, because that is what is needed to improve our squad, and who is not cup-tied in Europe and who is free. You need a good Father Christmas for that."