Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin, as Alex Song is all set to seal his move to Barcelona.
Arsenal and Barca announced on Saturday a €19 million (£15 million, $23.5 million) fee had been agreed, with Song to fly to Barcelona Monday to complete a medical before signing a five-year contract.
Arsene Wenger admitted he could not do much about the transfer as the 24-year-old made his intentions clear on the preference for a move to the Nou Camp. "He expressed a desire to go to Barcelona," the Frenchman said.
"It is frustrating, we have learnt to deal with that. I believe as well that the financial potential of some clubs is massive and that makes a difference.
"However, we have Wilshere coming back, I believe in one-and-a-half months. We have Diaby back, we have Rosicky not far away and we might bring another midfielder in as well.
"You have to be patient a little bit (over any new signings)."
Wenger, however, has moved quickly to cover for the sale of Song by signing Sahin on a season-long loan deal. According to widespread reports in the English media, Sahin has chosen Arsenal over Liverpool, due to the Gunners being able to offer Champions League football.
Jose Mourinho was reportedly keen on his midfielder moving to Anfield, but the Turkish 23-year-old has chose a move to the Emirates instead. It is not clear whether the loan move comes with an option to make the deal permanent next summer, but Wenger will be happy to seal the signing, after admitting the passing from deep midfield was not up to scratch in their opening 0-0 draw against Sunderland.
While Sahin and Song might not be similar players, the former Dortmund midfielder is expected to bring some extra creativity to the midfield, with a further addition in Yann M'Vila has also not been entirely ruled out.
Meanwhile Wenger has asked for patience from the fans over strikers Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, after the duo failed to fire in their opening game of the English Premier League. Giroud, particularly, missed a sitter after latching onto a brilliant pass from Santi Cazorla as the Gunners were left frustrated by a stubborn Sunderland defense,
"You cannot conclude on one game, but we knew before we started (that it would be difficult to replace Van Persie's goals)," Wenger said.
"Podolski and Giroud together scored 40 last year, so we have a credit of three, but unfortunately it does not work like that.
"Overall I am happy with the spirit we have shown, but the frustration is that we are used to more creativity. That was the big miss."
Wenger admitted he sees Podolski as a center forward, leaving the two new signings to fight for the one starting place. "I see him (Podolski) as a center forward but he has some work to do, to change his game a little bit, make runs in behind to protect the ball and move around the box," the manager said.
"When you come from a wide position, it is not easy to do that. But he will get there. He is a fantastic finisher, but had no real opportunity (against Sunderland)."
Wenger, however, was very impressed by Cazorla's performance, who along with Gervinho, was the best player on the pitch for the Gunners. "He played very well and looks like he could be one of the buys of the season," Wenger observed.
"He has everything you want in the game. He can play short, he can play long, on the right or left, he can play the final ball and works hard as well. He is a fighter so it is very positive for us.
"(He settled quickly and) that shows people who say you need to play a long time together. Great players do not need a long time (to settle)."
