Wenger not worried by Adebayor exit

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal are in a "very strong position" to meet their targets this season, despite the exit of Emmanuel Adebayor.

Arsenal received £25million of Manchester City's fortune for Adebayor on Saturday night but Wenger is unlikely to spend anywhere near that amount on a replacement.

The Frenchman believes his squad is strong enough to compete without Adebayor and he is particularly relishing the return to action of Tomas Rosicky.

"We must trust the players we have. It's a very important season for us and I believe we are in a very strong position," he said.

"Big clubs lose big players. AC Milan have lost Kaka but will go on. Arsenal have lost big players before but we go on.

"We have also had positive messages - players like Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas are staying here.

"I believe we have a strong enough squad to meet the targets we have."

Rosicky, meanwhile, has been sidelined for 18 months with hamstring and knee injuries, but he made his first appearance since January 2008 in Saturday's friendly against Barnet.

Wenger is confident the Czech international will still be the same player and hopes he could be available for the Premier League opener against Everton on August 15.

"There was a time when I was worried Tomas wouldn't play football again and he felt the same," said Wenger.

"But he had always led a healthy and dedicated life. Mentally he's also very strong.

"Of course you have to ask and hope if he will ever get back to where we want him to be and the answer looks like yes.

"We have to manage him well and prepare him well. If we comes through pre-season well he could start the season."