Arsenal press conference LIVE: Wenger speaks ahead of Premier League opening weekend
Arsene Wenger will answer questions on transfers, title ambitions, and his hopes for his side's opening game against managerless Crystal Palace
Alex Richards
It seems Arsene's left some fans quite content.
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Alex Richards
9:39 am
Alex Richards
Secondly, Arsene's had his say on the Tony Pulis affair.
"A complete surprise" to the Frenchman, he says he's never seen a Manager of the Year lose his job in such circumstances before - and that he couldn't work for a Director of Football.
However, despite the upheaval at Palace, Wenger says his men are ready.
Also, there WON'T be any new strikers joining the club, with Wenger happy with his lot.
9:35 am
Alex Richards
And just like that, like a shooting star, he's gone.
So what have we learned?
First things first, Laurent Koscielny should be fit to start tomorrow.
With it once again confirmed that the German World Cup trio are missing, expect a Chambers-Koscielny centre-back pairing.
9:32 am
Alex Richards
Champions League
And ahead of next week's Champions League qualifier against Besiktas, Arsene has also had his say.
Unsurprisingly, he's preaching caution against a Demba Ba-inspired Besiktas, having seen how they out-gunned Feyenoord.
"It will be a very tough game and a very important one for us.
"Besiktas had a very convincing result against Feyenoord."
9:29 am
Alex Richards
Hey, and we forgot the returning Joel Campbell.
How could we forget Joel!
Fortunately Arsene hasn't and he's once again stated his intention to keep him at the club.
9:26 am
John Cross
Arsene has had his say on a Director of Football model - and says he couldn't work with one.
"We live in a democracy but it should come down to the decision of the guy who is responsible for results."
9:25 am
Alex Richards
Massive fan of the faith Wenger has in his current strike trio.
But is it misguided?
Really does need to hope that none of the trio pick up an injury.
Nonetheless, when Theo Walcott is back, you good argue he has three solid - and different - striking options, as well as the rawness of Sanogo.
9:21 am
John Cross
Title favourites and Alexis
Favourites for title?
Wenger said: "Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Man United and us."
On Sanchez: "He is very committed, can be a very good Premier League player. He is very exciting."
On pre-season preparations? "It's been very calm, the calmest I've known. But the reality is tomorrow at 5.30."
9:19 am
John Cross
One thing that won't be happening is the Gunners will NOT be signing a new striker.
"We have unbelievable strength" said Wenger.
Alexis, Giroud and Yaya Sanogo it is then!
9:18 am
John Cross
Arsene on new signings
"I'm happy with the players I've signed. Will I still do something? I don't rule it out.
"Our finances are still healthy but we want to go through to CL Group stages and then see.
"What is a big signing? For you, it's the size of the fee. For me it's the quality of the player."
9:17 am
John Cross
Back to the Tony Pulis situation, and Arsene admits he finds it bizarre.
"I have never come across this before (manager of year losing job).
"I saw Tony Pulis at managers' meeting on Monday and there was no indication."
9:16 am
John Cross
Team news
Wenger says that Laurent Koscielny will have another test today but should be fit.
The Germans could be in contention for Everton but no sooner.
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The Gunners are in confident mood:
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John Cross
And here we go..
Arsene's straight in with the Palace chat, stressing the need for "fast start" in opener against Palace.
Wenger said: "Palace are an uncomfortable team for everybody.
On Pulis' departure:
"It was a complete surprise to me. Pulis has done a remarkable job. It was a miracle. I don't know why he left."
9:10 am
Alex Richards
Ladies and gentleman, take your seats:
9:07 am
Alex Richards
Additionally, we wonder if Wenger will offer any clues concerning the search for a Thomas Vermaelen replacement.
Kostas Manolas is the chosen one, but now both Manchester United and Bayern Munich have reportedly entered the fray.
You can get all the info on that in today's Gunners transfer wrap.
9:04 am
Alex Richards
The Gunners kick off their season against Crystal Palace, who appear to be in disarray with Tony Pulis having quit.
We wonder if Arsene will have anything to say on that score - although, if he does, we expect he'll be very non-descript and declare he still expects a tough opener.
Anyway, let's wait and see.
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Arsenal got their season off to a good start by winning the Community Shield last weekend against Premier League champions Manchester City.
Aaron Ramsey has already stated his belief that his side can win the league this year, based on the fact that they were at the top of the table for longer than any other club last season.
The Gunners' performances against fellow title contenders last season saw them capitulate towards the end of the campaign, and a win against Man City at Wembley, in such a comprehensive manner, should instil plenty of belief in the squad.
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Arsene Wenger will be speaking live in Colney this morning, ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League.
He will no doubt be asked questions about his plans for the remainder of the transfer window, as well as his hopes for Arsenal's league finish this season.
The Gunners take on Crystal Palace this weekend, and with Tony Pulis leaving the club by mutual consent last night, Arsenal will be even more hopeful of getting their campaign off to a flying start.
As the longest serving manager in the Premier League by a country mile, it will be interesting to get the Frenchman's take on the situation at Crystal Palace, particularly given Pulis' success at Selhurst Park last term.
We expect proceedings to kick off at around 9am, so stay tuned!
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