Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he will not be making a move for former England captain David Beckham when the transfer window reopens in January, despite reports that the 31-year-old may be moving from Real Madrid.

The Gunners boss said: “I’ve said already that I will not buy anybody in January, whether that’s free or with a fee. I have the number of players I need.”

Substantiating his point, Wenger explained: “For the West Brom clash we made nine changes, and won while having several players missing with injury, so why would I buy anyone else?”

“David Beckham’s age would not prevent me from buying him but I’m only focused on what we already have this season,” added the Frenchman.

Wenger did admit that he wanted to sign Everton striker Andrew Johnson before his move to Everton from Crystal Palace.

Speaking before Saturday's English Premiership clash between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium, Wenger spoke of his admiration for Johnson.

“I’m still a fan of Andrew’s. I was right about him,” said Wenger of the former Eagles striker. “He made a mistake to stay one more year in the Championship. Now he is showing how good he is.”

25-year-old Johnson - an England international - is currently the Premiership's top scorer with six goals and has been enhancing his reputation ever since making his £8.6 million (approx. €12.9 million) move from Championship side Crystal Palace to Merseyside at the end of May.

“I like Andrew’s work-rate, the timing of his runs and the fact he wants to go behind defenders and the fact he scores goals,” continued Wenger.

“I thought about signing him, but he was not really available and this year I have enough strikers.

“We have Jeremie Aliadiere, Julio Baptista, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott.”

“The number [of players we have] is right. That is a why I said we would not buy in January because we have the number required.

“He is England class if you compare him with the other players. He’s suited to playing up front on his own because he has the physical potential to repeat the runs. That is very important when you play on your own up front.”

Whether Wenger will stick to his word about the January transfer window has yet to be seen, but with the plethora of talent in the Gunners squad, it would be a surprise to see any players move to The Emirates Stadium any time soon.

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