Wenger's squad is desperately short of experience in midfield

Boss Arsene Wenger says there are no new Arsenal signings on the horizon, as the transfer deadline approaches.

Despite having been linked with Aston Villa's Gareth Barry and Xabi Alonso of Liverpool, Wenger told BBC Sport: "We are not close to signing anybody."

But Cesc Fabregas feels the addition of Alonso would be important for his side.

"He is my friend and apart from that he is a great passer of the ball, he works hard defensively, he's experienced and he is only 26", the Spaniard said.

"For me he would be perfect. I'd love it."

The transfer window shuts on 1 September and Wenger has had to contend with the midfield departures of Mathieu Flamini, Gilberto Silva and Alexander Hleb, while Samir Nasri, Aaron Ramsey and Amaury Bischoff have been brought in.

606: DEBATE I have always supported Wenger but I am beginning to doubt him. BRANDYCOVE

But Arsenal were forced to field winger Emmanuel Eboue in central midfield alongside Denilson in the 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Nasri and 19-year-old Theo Walcott occupied the wings but were both off colour in the surprise loss at Craven Cottage.

And Fabregas, 21, currently ruled out of action with injury, is keen to make sure the squad is challenging for honours this season.

He said: "This club has something special that no others have. We have to take care of it.

"I have a lot of friends in Spain and Italy and when they speak about other clubs I know I am privileged to be where I am.

"I don't want to lose it. I want to win things for the club. I want to get experience here. I want to play for Arsenal.

When you see football all around the world, you see very few teams who play the way that we play. Cesc Fabregas

"When you see football all around the world, you see very few teams who play the way that we play.

"I just enjoy it. I feel it is my home now."

Fabregas also confessed his desire to one day captain the club.

"I would love it," he continued.

"I am happy with everything, my number four, playing for Arsenal in centre midfield and giving 100% every game.

"But if the boss thinks in one or two years I am ready to be captain, I will take the armband."