Arsenal’s Wenger talks Liverpool’s Sterling as well as Chelsea and Man Utd target Dybala

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has ruled himself out of the running for Chelsea and Manchester United Paulo Dybala, but has hinted at a bid for Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling.

Arsenal v Liverpool - Premier League Preview

The Gunners take on Brendan Rodgers’ men at the Emirates this Saturday (12.45pm), with both teams looking for a vital top four finish in the Premier League.

And discussing Sterling, Wenger admitted that he admired the England international’s talents, but refused to be drawn on whether or not he was plotting a shock summer swoop.

Wenger explained: “[Sterling] is a top player, everyone in the country knows that and he’s an important player for Liverpool.

“I don’t want to interfere in that [contract talks] 48 hours before the game. It’s not my problem.

“I don’t want to speak about it any more, we are not in a transfer period, we are in front of a big game.”

Arsenal have also been linked with a bid for Palermo’s Dybala in recent times, with president Maurizio Zamparini claiming that the Gunners have already tabled an offer.

But Wenger insists that he is not interested in the Argentine striker, saying: “Ask [Maurizio Zamparini] to show you the offer. [Interest?] Not at all.”

The Gunners chief has also revealed why Mesut Ozil was pictured in a German nightclub just hours after missing the 2-1 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park.

arsene wengerGETTY

Arsene Wenger has been talking ahead of Arsenal's weekend clash against Liverpool

I don’t feel you can stop someone from wishing happy birthday to a friend when he’s in his own country

Arsene Wenger

Wenger claimed: “He went out for half an hour for a friend’s birthday to wish him well and then went home.

“I fine people when they work for us and don’t respect the discipline.

“On that front I don’t feel you can stop someone from wishing happy birthday to a friend when he’s in his own country.”

The Frenchman also believes that Danny Welbeck has improved dramatically at Arsenal since joining from Manchester United last summer.

Wenger added: “He’s an important player who contributes.

“He doesn’t just score goals but contributes to team work too, he’s a team player.

“Technically he has improved a lot when you look at him now. Technically he is much more mature and composed in front of goal. The quality of his runs are also better.”

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