Wenger backs Wiltord

Wiltord could be on his way to Paris St Germain

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has denied that striker Sylvain Wiltord is heading out of Highbury.

Wiltord, believed to be unhappy at his lack of first team action, reportedly had a row with Wenger after turning up late for training.

Arsenal's record £13m signing then apparently went missing before the final Premiership game against Southampton, although there are claims he was allowed to miss the match.

If Wiltord behaves like everybody else there is no problem

Arsene Wenger

"Sylvain Wiltord is on advanced holidays but I don't know where," said Wenger. "Did he have my permission to go? You can say that, yes.

"But I'm not talking about what has happened between us. All I will say is that he is still part of our plans.

"It is simple really. If Wiltord behaves like everybody else there is no problem. Usually he's a good trainer and a generous personality who people like.

"But I believe he has had some personal problems to deal with and when that happens people can react in different ways.

"But he has done well for us, especially in the second half of the season, and I still believe he can be an important player for us."

Wenger has been linked with Trezeguet

Conflicting reports suggest that Wiltord could be in line for a move to Paris St Germain while the striker's friends claim he is ready to battle for his Arsenal place.

To add to the uncertainty over Wiltord's future, Wenger has been linked with Juventus forward David Trezeguet.

Wenger continued: "I don't know how much David's price is.

"And with four top strikers here already plus two younger ones coming through in Jeremie Aliadiere and Jermaine Pennant, it is difficult to buy another one."

He added: "Anything can happen between now and next season. It is always as well to be prepared for the unexpected.

"I want to keep all my squad and add two or three more quality players but you never know what can change."