London – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned supporters that while he will look to improve his squad during the close season, they should not expect a “massive” influx of new players.
“It will be busy, but the main thing for us will be to keep the stability because we feel we are close (to the title),” said the Frenchman, in comments reported by several British newspapers on Saturday.
“We want to add something that makes us even stronger, but number-wise it will not be massive.”
Wenger feels that this year's World Cup in Brazil, which runs from June 12 to July 13, will force clubs to delay moving for players until later in the transfer window than usual.
“At the moment I have people around me who start to look,” he said.
“From my experience, the World Cup years have always been very quiet until the end of the World Cup, with no players reachable.
“Everybody is focused in the country on their national team and there is not a lot happening. People are away, so I believe this year again you will have to wait until July 15 to start going.”
Wenger was speaking ahead of his side's home game with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, when a victory would confirm their place in next season's Champions League play-offs.
Arsenal also face Hull City in the FA Cup final on May 17. – Sapa-AFP