Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Carlos Vela will get the chance to show he doesn't need to sign Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh in January.

Wenger doubts Bordeaux will sell Chamakh in the January transfer window, now they have qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League and, anyway, he is willing to let his reserves bridge the gap caused by Robin van Persie's six-week lay-off after injuring ankle ligaments.

"I'm inclined to say I won't move for Chamakh because we have enough quality and I want to give a chance to Carlos Vela," said Wenger. "It's a good observation period to see how well we do without Van Persie."