Arsene Wenger has said Arsenal's squad is "too big," and he is only specifically targeting another centre-back this summer.Ahead of Arsenal's season-opener against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, the Frenchman opened up on the Gunners' pursuit of new players this summer, pertheMirror'sFrank Smith: "I dont count in numbers as squad too big.I am looking at no other areas apart from centre-back, its about quality."The Frenchman would not elaborate if the centre-back in question is Valencia's Shkodran Mustafi,perfootball journalist Miguel Delaney:Targeting only a centre-back is unlikely to please many Arsenal fans with the team clearly in need of a new centre-forward as well. According to ESPN's Mattias Karen, Wenger said he is prepared to sign players in other positions if they're the right quality, though:Wenger also discussed the state of the transfer market this summer, perDelaney: "In England, transfers are high because there is an influx of money. Then you go outside and they're high because you're English.You can still find players of top quality, sometimes, at a reasonable price."Aside from the captures of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Granit Xhaka, Arsenal have been notoriously reluctant to spend money in recent years while the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have brought in numerous marquee players, often resulting in success.However, Wenger is looking to Premier League champions Leicester City for inspiration:The Foxes sensationally topped the division after assembling a team from the likes of N'Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, all of whom had been virtually unknown prior to joining for bargain prices.Delaney believes it might be wise not to take stock in the events repeating themselves, however:Wenger also gave the latest update on the defensive crisis plaguing the Gunners before the season has even begun, per Smith: "Per Mertesacker is out for four months and Gabriel [Paulista] six to eight weeks, which is a bit better than expected because he doesnt need surgery.He ruptured his ankle ligament. At the start we thought it could be four months."According to Karen, he is left with three options:Despite summer acquisition Rob Holding joining from Bolton Wanderers, Wenger is unconcerned with his lack of top-flight experience, according to Smith: "He has played in the Championship so that is a good experience, to deal with one level higher."Further forward, Wenger believes several of his English players have much to prove this season, per Arsenal:Indeed, Jack Wilshere's fitness this season is crucialhe needs to avoid injury for as much of the campaign as possible if he's to re-establish himself as a key figure in the Gunners midfield.Meanwhile, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did not contribute nearly enough last season from the chances they were given in the teamtheir futures at the club could well be decided by how they fare this year.Arsenal suffered a shock defeat at home to West Ham United in their opening game last season, and this year is likely to be an even more difficult game with Liverpool visiting, not to mention their situation in defence.The Gunners were still able to finish second last year so it's hardly a disaster if they lose on Sunday, but with the Premier League season shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet it's important they get off to a good start.Read more World Football news on BleacherReport.com
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