Arsene Wenger has warned he will not pay silly money in the January transfer window to compensate for the loss of injured striker Robin van Persie. The Gunners confirmed this week that Holland talisman striker van Persie is not expected to return from ankle ligament damage until April at the earliest and his absence leaves Wenger short of a focal point to his attack. The Frenchman chased Marouane Chamakh of Bordeaux in the summer but baulked at the asking price, while Italy Under-21 international Mario Balotelli and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy have been linked with moves to north London. Wenger has come under fire from a section of the Emirates faithful for not shelling out on a marquee signing and he has insisted any business conducted in the New Year will be done on his terms. Asked if van Persie's absence could prompt him to make a foray into the transfer market, Wenger, speaking ahead of the Carling Cup quarter-final clash at Manchester City, told Arsenal TV Online: "It has to. "I did not feel we were in need to buy anybody but we will be out on the market that is for sure - however, we will only make a decision if it suits us."