Wednesday, 31st August, 2011
Arsenal are bidding to bring in both Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta from Chelsea and Everton respectively before the transfer window closes.
The Gunners boosted their defence earlier in the day by snapping up giant German centre back Per Mertesacker and Brazilian left back Andre Santos and quickly turned their attention to matters further up the pitch.
Benayoun revealed yesterday that he had options to leave Stamford Bridge, those being Arsenal, Liverpool and Lille.
Liverpool though decided against pursuing their former player and rejected an offer that included the Israeli and cash for Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles.
Lille meanwhile quickly withdrew their interest after discovering the extent of the personal terms Benayoun would demand.
This just leaves Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side, who are now talking to Chelsea and the 31-year-old to push through a deal.
Arsenal are also talking to Everton over Spanish midfielder Arteta.
The 29-year-old is valued at around £10M by Everton, though Arsenal want to pay less than that for a player who has been at Goodison Park since 2005 and who would welcome a move to the Emirates.
Talks to sign Arteta could go to the wire.
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