Arsene Wenger to tie up Arsenal transfers early

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that the club will aim to complete their summer signings in the early stages of the transfer window.

The Gunners have already acquired Germany international Lukas Podolski for the 2012-13 campaign.

"[We want to make early signings] if possible, yes," Wenger told the club's official website. "We wanted at least one target to be sorted out early.

"Now we are in a position where the second part of our signings will be to take care of the players who are injured and to get them back for the start of next season.

"I don't exclude it but we have to respect that [25-man squad] number. That is a big problem for every club and before you go out on the transfer market you have to see how you cope with the 25 players."

The future of star frontman Robin van Persie remains unclear, however the Dutchman has claimed that he will discuss his options with the Arsenal board at the end of the season.