By Sami Mokbel
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Arsene Wenger has moved to reassure agitated Arsenal supporters that the club are pressing ahead with plans to secure a 'spectacular' signing.
The Gunners have so far fired blanks in their attempts to land a world class name this summer, despite numerous public declarations that the club can now compete financially with Europe's big hitters.
Arsenal will formalise their interest in Liverpool striker Luis Suarez this week with a 35million bid, while a deal, in principle, to sign Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain is in place.
Patience: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told reassured fans that a 'spectacular' signing is on the way
Away: Wenger was speaking in Vietnam during Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia
Crowd: Arsenal fans in Vietnam show their support for the team
Wenger also retains an interest in Manchester United's unsettled striker Wayne Rooney and former skipper Cesc Fabregas, whose future at Barcelona is currently unclear.
But at present, little known French striker Yaya Sanogo remains Wenger's only summer purchase, raising fears that the much-hyped 70million spending spree will not materialise.
But Wenger insists the club's deal-makers are working over-time to ensure his squad is strengthened significantly before the start of the season.
'You want me to announce a spectacular signing but I can't,' admitted Wenger, speaking on the Vietnamese leg of Arsenal's Asia tour.
Target: Arsenal are set to table a 35million bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez
War: Wayne Rooney has been linked with a move to London, but David Moyes wants to keep him at United
'But we are working behind the scenes to strengthen the squad.'
Given the managerial upheaval at Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, Wenger is understandably eager to ensure his squad is as strong as possible going into the start of new season as the Gunners look to capitalise on any uncertainty among their rivals.
New United boss David Moyes got his Old Trafford career off to an uncomfortable start after watching his side slump to a 1-0 defeat against Singha All-Stars, in Bangkok; his first-ever match in charge of the club.
In progress: Arsenal are in advanced talks with Real Madrid about a deal for Gonzalo Higuian
And Wenger admits there could well be an element of uncertainty at United this summer, but the Frenchman has backed the former Everton manager to ensure the current champions remain genuine title contenders.
'The next Premier League season will be interesting. Many teams can win the title,' said Wenger.
'The fact Sir Alex Ferguson has retired brings some uncertainty to Manchester United - but Moyes is there and I'm sure they will be candidates to win the PL.'
On tour: Arsenal beat an Indonesian Dream Team 7-0 in a friendly on Sunday
Gunners forward Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain echoed his manager's sentiments, saying: 'I don't know what the managerial change will bring for United.
'It doesn't change they way we approach things. Sir Alex Fergusn was an amazing manager for so many, but at some point he had to retire - he couldn't have stayed in the game all of his life.
'So, in that sense it does bring a certain amount of uncertainty, but that's only for fans and football followers - but not for me or my team mates.'
The man with the easiest job in football. He's under no pressure whatsoever to actually win anything.
- Terry Exelby , City of York, 16/7/2013 06:17
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