Wenger eyes Arteta raid

Arsene Wenger has targeted Everton star Mikel Arteta as a replacement for the injured Cesc Fabregas and could launch a January bid.

Fabregas looks like he'll be out of action until April after picking up a knee injury in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on December 21 and Wenger is aware he may need to find cover if his side are to get back in the title race in the second half of the season.

Reports suggest Wenger is prepared to offer cash-strapped Everton around £10million for the Spanish ace but the Blues, who do not want to sell one of their most influential players, will hold out for at least £15million should negotiations begin.