The winter window had begun in dramatic fashion at the Emirates as reports surfaced that Arsenal's Ivorian international Kolo Toure has handed in a transfer request.
The defender is alleged to be feeling perturbed at falling down the pecking order, as he was an unused substitute during the drab 1-0 victory over Portsmouth last Sunday, while Swiss centre half Johan Djourou has been seen as the preferable partner for former captain William Gallas.
Wenger used his latest press conference to state categorically that Toure is not going anywhere.
"The situation is that he is a player who has a two-and–a-half year contract and will remain with us," insisted the Frenchman.
"I am happy with players who are committed and Kolo is a big example of that. There was a minor incident that you could multiply by 20. It happens every day in every club and it is sorted out now. Kolo is happy here."
When asked whether Toure had requested to leave, Wenger said "Yes, but we spoke about it with him and I think he has changed his mind.
"It's not a question of Kolo Toure or William Gallas," the manager continued.. "It is that the two together are a bit short in the air. We needed to add some size centrally.
"I think they get on, personally. They get on much better than people think and if you lived with us every day you would see that. Anyway, nobody can prove fantastic friendships help you to win football games.
"Kolo did have a little problem when he came back from the African Nations Cup [earlier this year]. He wasn't exactly the same sharpness any more. Now, he has come back to his best level and he works very hard in training.
"He is a fantastic guy, Kolo Toure."
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
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