Arsenal's need for new signings has further intensified, with Lukas Podolski, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey all suffering injuries in last night's bruising Champions League play-off victory against Fenerbahce.
Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, believes that Podolski will be out for three weeks but is hopeful that both Wilshere and Ramsey will recover from respective ankle and groin injuries in time for Sunday's derby against Tottenham.
Arsenal are trying to make as many as four signings before the transfer window closes on Monday, with the appearance in the Emirates directors' box last night of Juan Mata's father (and agent) prompting intrigue.
Wenger did little to quell the inevitable speculation that will follow, but it is understood that Arsenal do not intend to make any bid before the transfer window closes on Monday.
Chelsea have made it clear that Mata is not for sale in any case, although it is plausible that Arsenal are laying the ground for a future bid in the knowledge that the Spain winger has started one of three Premier League matches under Jose Mourinho.
"I have heard like you, because I watched the game [Chelsea v Manchester United] that Juan Mata could be on the market," said Wenger. "There is anyway a reluctance in England to sell to each other. I like him."
