Arsenal linked with move for £35m United target - reports
Arsenal are considering an unexpected move for Manchester United target Wesley Sneijder, it has been claimed.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the north London club are contemplating a bid for the £35 million-rated Inter Milan playmaker, following their progress to the lucrative group stage of the Champions League.
Arsenal triumphed 2-1 in Udine on Wednesday night thanks to goals from Robin Van Persie and Theo Walcott to secure their passage into Europe's elite club competition, and Arsene Wenger is now intent on reinforcing his squad.
The Arsenal boss' priority remains in midfield, after Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri both left the club in quick succession, while Jack Wilshere is also sidelined for a several weeks.
An offer for Sneijder, however, would come as a surprise of sorts, and whether or not Arsenal will be able to afford the Dutchman's gargantuan wages remains to be seen.
This has reportedly been a major issue in United's attempts to bring Sneijder to Old Trafford, with the Barclays Premier League champions alleged to be ready to pull out of the proposed deal.
Sneijder is said to have been identified by Sir Alex Ferguson as the ideal player to replace the recently retired Paul Scholes, but the Scot may now focus his attention on other targets.
More realistic for Arsenal, meanwhile, is seemingly a move for Lille forward Eden Hazard, who is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in European football.
The 20-year-old Belgian has been admired by Wenger for some time, and Arsenal are likely to have to part with upwards of £25 million for Lille to seriously consider selling their prized asset.
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