Arsene Wenger has dismissed suggestions that Kolo Toure
could be poised to leave Arsenal following the defender’s decision
to hand in a transfer request at Emirates Stadium.
Chairman Peter Hill-Wood confirmed on New Year’s Day that Toure
had asked to leave the club, with reports claiming that he was
disillusioned with a lack of playing time and that he had fallen
out with fellow defender William Gallas.
Manchester City has been mentioned as a possible destination for
Arsenal’s longest-serving player but Wenger has firmly ruled out a
January exit for the veteran of the 2003-2004 ‘Invincibles’
season.
"The situation is that Kolo is a player who has
two-and-a-half-year contract and will remain with us," said
Wenger.
"I am happy with players who are committed and Kolo is a big
example.
"There was a minor incident that you can multiply by 20. It
happens every day in every club which is sorted out. Kolo is happy
here.
"We have a very young and compact squad and I don't expect
anybody to leave."
