Arsene Wenger has played down the chances of Arsenal signing a striker this month, saying he could not find a better player than Danny Welbeck on the market.

Arsenal completed a deal for midfielder Mohamed Elneny on Thursday and the player will come into contention for a debut when the Gunners face Stoke on Sunday.

But when questioned if he could look to add a new striker to his ranks to boost the Gunners’ title quest, Wenger said his preference was to focus on getting his injured stars back to full fitness.

“I would prefer to have the players back from injuries,” he said. “[Danny] Welbeck is two to three weeks away and I am confident I will not find a better player than Welbeck on the market.”

Alexis Sanchez update

Welbeck has not featured for Arsenal this year after a niggling knee injury, while the Gunners have also lost Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott to injuries this season.

Wenger admitted it was too soon to say if Alexis Sanchez would return at the Britannia Stadium, saying: “He has two decisive days. Today and tomorrow. He’s fit.

“Do we take a gamble or not on his injury?

“We are in a position where we can make our season a fantastic season and the injuries coming back will help.”

Arsenal have had to rely on Olivier Giroud for goals in recent weeks with the striker’s double at Anfield taking his tally to 11 in his last 11 away games. Asked if the Frenchman was overrated, Wenger commented: “Not in my opinion. If it still exists it will not last. People never deny evidence.”