Long-term admirer: Wenger wants to sign Alex (top)
Arsenal are lining up a shock
cut-price move for Chelsea outcast Alex as Arsene Wenger looks to
strengthen his central defence next month.
Alex has been transfer-listed
by Andre Villas-Boas after falling out-of-favour at Stamford Bridge
and has been targeted by Juventus.
Wenger is a long-term admirer
of the 29-year-old and made two inquiries for Alex in the summer
but was rebuffed both times.
However, Arsenal could have
more luck in January given his current transfer
status.
With Per Mertesacker still
trying to adapt to the pace of Premier League football, Wenger is
keen on adding more top-flight experience to his
back-line.
Tottenham manager Harry
Redknapp is also interested but his first choice remains Bolton’s
Gary Cahill who is also wanted by Chelsea to replace
Alex.
Target: Gary Cahill (right)
In another twist, Arsenal
maintain an interest in Cahill also but will be wary of getting
involved in another auction with the player out of contract in the
summer.
Arsenal bid £7million for
Cahill in the summer but their offer was labelled 'derisory' by
Owen Coyle.