Arsenal are looking to bid for Celtic defensive midfielder Victory Wanyama, as the Gunners close in on the signing of Santi Cazorla.
According to Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation, Arsene Wenger is lining up a £10 million ($15.7 million) swoop for Wanyama.
Wenger has had scouts watch the ball-winning midfielder three times in the past eight days, with the latest being Celtic's pre-season game against Inter Milan, as part of the Scottish side's 125th anniversary celebrations, on Saturday.
Wanyama is capable of playing as a central defender as well as a defensive midfielder, a versatility that Wenger likes to see in his players.
The 21-year-old previously stated his desire to move to the English Premier League. "I'm proud that I'm the first Kenyan player to play in the UK and I'd be very happy also to be the first Kenyan to play in the Premier League," Wanyama told The National newspaper earlier this summer.
"I think the Premiership is the dream of so many players, so I'd be happy to play there. There are a lot of good clubs in England.
"I've been happy here, and the fans have been brilliant with me. But it would not be a terrible thing for me if the club agree to let me go, and they get a good offer."
Meanwhile, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Cazorla by Tuesday. Malaga will be loathe to losing out on their star player and are looking to hold out for at least £20 million ($31.4 million); but due to a debt deadline of July 31 imposed on the Spanish club, Malaga might have no choice but to accept the £16 million ($25 million) bid.
Cazorla also wants to move to Arsenal, and that has put further pressure on Malaga to sell. Wenger will be hoping the signing of Cazorla, along with Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud will give Arsenal the impetus to consistently challenge for titles next season.
Meanwhile, Theo Walcott, who, along with Thomas Eisfeld, scored for Arsenal in their 2-2 draw against Kitchee in Hong Kong, gave a major hint at him signing a new contract with the club. Walcott has just one year remaining in his current deal and his agents have been in talks over an improved contract.
"The club and my agent are talking but it is a slow process and my last contract took six months to agree -- but it will come," Walcott is quoted as saying by the Daily Star.
"We'll see what happens but I am not too bothered about it. I am keen to work with the team just trying to get fit and there is still got a long way to go yet."
Wenger confirmed Jack Wilshere won't take the field for Arsenal till October. Wilshere missed the entire last season due to injury, and is making a slow recovery. Wenger revealed the player had not started training with the ball yet and now admitted it would be as late as October before the talented playmaker makes his return.
"Hopefully, we will get Wilshere back playing for October," Wenger told reporters in Hong Kong.
"With Abou Diaby returning, it will be like signing two new players. The squad will be strong and competitive."
