Wenger keeps faith in Adebayor

Arsene Wenger hopes it will only be a matter of time before the Emirates Stadium sees the best of Emmanuel Adebayor.

The 21-year-old Togo striker has been handed the role of targetman alongside captain Thierry Henry since being introduced into the first team following a January transfer from Monaco.

Adebayor hit the net four times - including on his debut - over the closing stages last season, but has so far failed to find consistent form during the opening matches of the current campaign.

The 6ft 3in striker bore the frustrations of some sections of the home support at Arsenal's impressive new stadium during his last appearance.

However, two goals for the reserves in their 4-0 thrashing of Charlton at Barnet on Monday will have improved his sharpness and Wenger feels it is only a matter of time before that is transferred into the first team.

"I believe Adebayor is a bit intimidated at home," Wenger reflected.

"Away from home he is doing extremely well, but it is important for him to get the goals at home too because it looks like it has diminished his confidence."

The Gunners fielded a strong second string on Monday, one which included Theo Walcott and Mathieu Flamini, as well as wantaway defender Ashley Cole.

The England left-back completed 74 minutes as he continues to work on match fitness, having so far been excluded by Wenger from his squad as talks over a protracted transfer to Chelsea continue.

With the deadline of August 31 fast looming, negotiations over any deal have to be concluded fast - with the clubs reported to still be haggling around the size of the fee and whether Blues defender William Gallas can be included in the package.

Wenger has continually maintained his stance Arsenal do not have to sell either Cole or Jose Antonio Reyes, who wants to return to Spain, unless the deal is right for them.

However, the Gunners boss would also not stand in the way of the pair leaving, so long as it was on the club's terms.

Wenger has been at pains to stress he does not have to sell before he can buy.

Reports suggest Arsenal are ready to make a £17million move for Argentina World Cup midfielder Carlos Tevez, although any such big-money deal may have to wait until the Cole and Reyes sagas are concluded.

Kilmarnock's 19-year-old striker Steven Naismith does, though, look set to join the Gunners
following a short trial.

From : BBC