European status at risk unless we buy: Wenger

Arsenal want to make two major signings before the transfer window closes, with manager Arsene Wenger concerned both by the squad's self-belief and whether they have enough strength in depth to catch Tottenham if injuries strike key players. A -holding midfielder, a striker and possibly a goalkeeper are the priorities, with the shortage in central midfield certain to be apparent tonight (Wednesday) against West Ham, when Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta will both be missing through injury.

Wenger must consider whether to ask a defender to play in a holding role or move Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Aaron Ramsey or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to a deeper-lying midfield position.

Asked if he felt his squad were good enough to qualify for the Champions League without reinforcements, Wenger said: "If we have no injuries we are all right. If we have big injuries we are a bit short."

Wenger confirmed that he wanted to add two more "quality" players and, having acknowledged that he was vulnerable in the holding midfield position, said that the club were working hard on making -signings before the transfer window closed in eight days' time.

In attack, Arsenal hope that either a loan or permanent deal can be done for Barcelona's David Villa, with Adrian Lopez, the Atletico Madrid forward, of interest as well. Wenger is also considering whether to bid for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama, West Ham's Mohamed Diame or even renewing his interest in France international Yann M'Vila.

Arsenal's transfer fund stands at about pounds 40?million, although Wenger is wary of the value and quality on offer in January and is likely to wait until late before making formal bids.

Consecutive defeats by Man-chester City and Chelsea have left Arsenal in sixth place, seven points adrift of Tottenham in fourth and four points behind Everton. They have never finished beneath Spurs or out of the top four in Wenger's 16 years at the club but he acknowledged it would be a "tough" challenge to maintain their Champions League status.

"You have plenty of candidates," he said. "Tottenham and Everton, who are fighting in there as well. I think we will do it but we cannot waste any points now. Last season we came from further behind. That gives me confidence, but it is also frustrating as we don't want to be in this position. It should not be different this season but it will be tough."

Theo Walcott pinpointed a collective lack of belief this week as an explanation for a points tally which has never been lower under Wenger at this stage of a season. "I agree with him," Wenger said. "The players come out [after the Chelsea game] and think 'we could have done better'.

"When you look at the first half we lost goals we shouldn't lose, 50-50s you cannot lose in big games. You have to go with a mentality in big games based on belief and total -commitment. What is worrying is just that we're not winning the big games. That is more worrying than the -difference of points."

Asked if this was becoming a trend, Wenger said: "This season you have to say yes. You want to win your big games and turn up with a committed attitude.

"I don't question the players' -character. They want to do well and are focused but maybe a bit too respectful of other teams. Every time we start to show what we can do it is when the game is already lost. That is what we have to change."

Wenger also addressed reports that he held a team meeting on Monday in which he warned the players of the danger of missing out on Champions League qualification.

"I don't talk about what's happened inside," he said. "It becomes a little bit ridiculous now that every single moment of a football club has to be absolutely public and explained. We have to stand up for our bad performances, but not for everything we do inside the club."