Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he is unlikely to sign a striker free to play in the Champions League in the January transfer window and denied reports of a shock New Year swoop for Ruud van Nistelrooy of Real Madrid. Wenger had said last week he was in the market for a new focal point to his attack to compensate for the loss of Robin van Persie to a  long-term injury. However, the Frenchman insisted there was too much history between Arsenal fans and former Manchester United striker van Nistelrooy to even consider signing the Holland targetman. Wenger said: "It would not be the best of starts, bearing in mind our past relationship! You have my number - you can text me all the names you find!" The Emirates boss also sounded a note of caution to Gunners supporters hoping for a marquee capture in January. "We're at the beginning of December, if we are in the same situation with injuries in January then I will see," added Wenger. "But we can't dream too much of finding a world class player because that's what is needed to strengthen our team."