Arsene Wenger has dismissed suggestions he could try and buy Portuguese international Nani in the January transfer window and seen his words backed up by Sir Alex Ferguson who made clear the Manchester United player is not for sale.

Ever since Thriller-era Michael Jackson was spotted at Watford’s training ground (which is…erm…across the road from Arsenal’s base) spurious rumours have circulated that the Gunners might be interested in the winger as a replacement for contract-rebel (is that the correct backpage terminology?) Theo Walcott.

Speaking about the tabloid tittle-tattle, the boss drew a very obvious line under the issue.

“Nani? No. We don’t look at any player from United because players are under contract and I don’t think they would sell a player during the course of the season. They don’t need money.”

As if that wasn’t enough, the whiskey-soaked gum-masticating steward of Manchester added:

“His contract isn’t up for a year and a half. We need Nani. He offers something different from the other players. He’s an incredible talent, the boy.

“Unfortunately, he’s injured at the moment. We have sent him over to Dubai for a break, to help him in his recovery.

“He’s not far away (from a return to full fitness) but he’s far enough away. I don’t think I will get him until the middle of January.

“He’s got a future here. Why would I want to let him go?”

Another winger who Arsenal have been heavily linked with is Crystal Palace’s England international Wilfried Zaha. The 20-year-old, who is a self-confessed Gooner, has again been quizzed on his future and admits a move to the Premier League is very much on his agenda.

“I’m not a teenager any more,” Zaha told the Mail on Sunday.

“I’ve played more than 100 first-team games and this year is crucial to develop my football career. I want to establish myself in the Premier League and in international football.

“I’ve played a lot in the Championship so having that new challenge in the Premier League, where everyone wants to be, would be great.

“To be honest, if I had the chance in January and Palace agreed, it’s something I’d want to go for.

“Some of my friends, who play in the Premier League, joke around and ask me what is taking me so long. I just tell them I will be there at some stage.

“I’ve done a lot of learning in the Championship. Now I’m ready for the Premier League.”