Besiktas Istanbul vs Arsenal
Arsene Wenger is working on a plan to cover Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty)

Arsene Wenger says he is working on a ‘creative’ plan to replace Mikel Arteta in Arsenal’s midfield after he was ruled out for at least the next two weeks.

Arteta picked up a knee problem during the Champions League qualifier with Bestikas and now faces a lengthy spell on the touchlines – at an important stage in the season.

But fear not Gooners – Wenger is a man with a plan.

‘We are not against that [reinforcing], no,’ he said.

‘If it’s a long-term injury [for Mikel Arteta] that puts us in a position where we have to be creative.’

Creative eh? Which boils down to either Jack Wilshere, Calum Chambers, or this guy…

Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers - FA Cup Fifth Round
Abou Diaby… is he the solution? (Picture: Getty)

Remember him? Wenger is known to be a fan of Diaby in a defensive role and while he has been nursing an injury (yep) during pre-season, it’s not thought to be serious.

Arsenal are still scouring the transfer market for another defensive midfielder, but are not close to doing a deal.

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