Wenger back in for Dutch ace

Arsenal are thought to be plotting a move for Holland midfielder Ibrahim Afellay who appears destined to leave Barcelona this summer.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been a long-time admirer of the 26-year-old and tried to bring him to the Emirates Stadium back in 2010, before he opted to join the Catalan giants instead. However, Afellay's agent Rob Jansen is now claiming that his client is surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp as they bid to bring in Athletic Bilbao ace Javi Martinez. Injury problems forced the former PSV Eindhoven man to miss much of last season, although he did come back towards the end of the campaign to prove his fitness ahead of Holland's disappointing showing in Euro 2012. Inter Milan are also rumoured to be interested in Afellay but Arsenal are hoping his friendship with Robin van Persie will give them the edge in the chase for the £6m-rated Dutchman.