Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he admires Chris Smalling, the Fulham defender, but he also at the same time ruled out any move of signing the England under-21 international before the transfer window ends by this month.

Wenger has already re-signed Sol Campbell and he is being expected to play in this Sunday’s FA Cup tie at the Stoke. Wenger has a firm believe that he has enough cover at centreback.

Wenger said, “He is a player we know, yes, but there is no truth in (the transfer rumours) at the moment. Maybe in the future. At the moment is at the moment. I never rule anything out.”

The boss even talked in an optimism ways that Nicklas Bendtner, the Danish striker, could be back from his injury on time for the Manchester United’s visit to the Emirates on Jan 31. He believes that this will also increase his reluctance in making any new signings for the team this month.

He said, “It is very difficult in January to find players who are available for the Champions League, who are just good enough to play for Arsenal and at the right price,” Wenger said. “You never know, but at the moment it is unlikely.”

He has also claimed that double standards have been applied to the team in the debate over a William Gallas’ tackle on Mark Davies, the Bolton midfielder, in Wednesday’s 4-2 win at the Emirates.