“We will be out on the market that is for sure”- Wanger

The Gunners confirmed last week that they will be without their main creative attacking threat until April after the Holland forward suffered ankle ligament damage while on international duty.

Asked if Van Persie's absence would now influence his thoughts for January, the Arsenal manager replied: "It has to."

Van Persie, who has scored eight goals this season, was missed on Sunday as Arsenal suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League as Arsenal needed some creativity up front.

And whoever Wenger lands in the transfer market, the 60-year-old is determined only to bring players in on the right terms.

He said: "I did not feel we were in need to buy anybody but we will be out on the market that is for sure - however, we will only make a decision if it suits us."

Arsenal face Stoke City at home on Saturday, and Wenger will have a selection headache with striker Nicklas Bendtner also ruled out until the end of the month.