Arsene Wenger: 'We have to sell before we buy'

Arsene Wenger has admitted that Arsenal will have to sell players before he can bring any more new faces to the club.

The news is unlikely to please Arsenal fans, many of whom believe that the club may not be able to compete in the transfer market.

Various players have been linked with moves away from the Emirates Stadium, with prized asset Robin van Persie off the pre-season tour squad list after it was confirmed that Manchester United had made a bid, with Juventus and Manchester City also keen.

"We are still looking to add one or two players but it depends also on how many go out because we have to respect the squad number," said the Frenchman.

"It's important to respect that so before we get players in we have to get some players out. That has not happened yet, the market is very quiet.

"I cannot tell you anything concrete about the situation [regarding those who might leave] because if they are not finding clubs they will stay here and be players of the squad. At the moment I cannot give you any concrete or clear indication."

Arsenal have signed Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud so far this summer.