Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has laughed off talk linking
him with a shock move for former Manchester United star Ruud van
Nistelrooy.
Van Nistelrooy
has been mentioned as a possible January
transfer target for Wenger as he looks to bring in a new striker to
compensate for the loss of Robin van Persie to long-term injury.
Real Madrid are believed to be willing to let van Nistelrooy leave the Bernabeu in January as he is
well down the pecking order in the Spanish capital and the player
could be interested in a move away as he looks to secure his place
in the Holland squad for next summer's World Cup finals.
Wenger admits any move is highly unlikely considering van
Nistelrooy's popularity among Arsenal fans following a number of high-profile
incidents during games between Arsenal and Manchester United.
Asked about his pursuit of a striker and the chances of signing
van Nistelrooy, Wenger said: "It would not be the best of starts,
bearing in mind our past relationship! You have my number - you can
text me all the names you find!"
Wenger also played down Arsenal chances of brining in a new
forward during the January transfer window as he accepts his
options are limited.
"We're at the beginning of December, if we are in the same
situation with injuries in January then I will see," added
Wenger.
"But we can't dream too much of finding a world class player
because that's what is needed to strengthen our team.
"But they also need not to be European cup-tied and who is also
free so we must hope Father Christmas is good to us!