Wenger eyes Van der Vaart
442 Staff - Monday 14 December 2009, 17:45
Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart - linked with moves to Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur since the summer - is set to be the subject of a swoop from Arsene Wenger.
According to the News of the World, the former Hamburg and Ajax star is desperate to leave Spain and is ready to revive his career in the Premier League.
Van der Vaart has found his chances limited at the Bernabeu following the acquisition of Brazilian midfielder Kaka.
And after falling out of favour with Los Galacticos coach Manuel Pellegrini, the 26-year-old has started on just three occasions in La Liga this season.
The Dutchman is eager to gain regular first-team action before representing his country in next summer’s World Cup, and is reportedly willing to accept a pay-cut in order to earn a move to North London.
Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool elevated Arsenal back into third place in the league, but Wenger is keen to bolster his squad during the January transfer window following a long-term injury to forward Robin van Persie.
And with lingering doubts over the fitness of attacking twosome Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott, Van der Vaart is thought to be high on the Frenchman’s wish-list as the Gunners look to maintain their title hopes.