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Senderos move won't see Wenger spend
David Smith, Sports Correspondent26.08.08
Defender Philippe Senderos is today set to become the seventh player to leave Arsenal this summer. But manager Arsene Wenger insisted he will not panic-buy to strengthen his depleted squad despite watching them outplayed by London rivals Fulham.
If he passes a medical, Senderos will be reunited with former team-mate Mathieu Flamini at AC Milan who have agreed a loan until the end of the season when the Italian giants will be expected to part with up to £6million for the 23-year-old Swiss international.
Yet despite being linked with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and Gareth Barry of Aston Villa, Wenger is reluctant to spend before the transfer window closes next Monday.
Ahead of tomorrow's Champions League qualifier against Steve McClaren's FC Twente at Emirates Stadium - Arsenal lead 2-0 form the first leg - Wenger refused to be rushed into buying.
Not even Saturday's inept display when going down 1-0 at Craven Cottage managed to ruffle the Arsenal boss. "When you lose a game the solution is not always to buy," he said.
Fulham, whose winner was scored by tall Norwegian centre-back Brede Hangeland, were today expected to sell Danish midfielder Leon Andreasen to Hamburg for £3.5m.
Reader views (3)
True, Senderos was not a very technically gifted player but he had physical abilities and a personality on the field. What the Gunners need is someone with the 'Yorkshire terrier' approach in midfield as Flamini had it. Hopefully, Arsene has assessed the problem and will, somehow, find a replacement. Not so easy.
- Wernli Paul, Richmond, B.C. Canada
Good riddance to a player who was only ever capable of being average (on a good day) - he cost us in the European tie with Liverpool last season and will not be missed.
- Tony Gooner, ealing, london
The transfers at Arsenal this summer are worrying. We have let 10 players out & only brought in 5 or 6, most of whom are young and not ready for the first team. Although I am not a fan of Senderos, he still was a useful squad player. Hopefully Arsene Wenger will sign Xabi Alonso at least.
- Rob Gooner, London
