Arsene Wenger has made a fresh move for St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi after fearing Cesc Fabregas is facing an injury lay-off.

Arsenal captain Fabregas, 22, faces a race to be fit for Saturday’s trip to Manchester United and could be out for up to three weeks with a hamstring injury.

That has brought it home to Wenger that he needs to strengthen his squad and has gone back for long-term target Matuidi.

Gunners boss Wenger is keen to strengthen his central midfield and defence and still expects to offload Philippe Senderos before the window shuts with Everton still interested.

Wenger has already had lengthy discussions with St Etienne and 22-year-old Matuidi over a move to Arsenal.

St Etienne are demanding £6m while Arsenal want to pay half that figure and are prepared to take the deal right to the wire in the transfer window to drive a hard bargain.

France Under-21 starlet Matuidi, a holding midfielder, would jump at the chance of moving to Arsenal and is hopeful a deal can be completed.

Wenger has already revealed that he still has not given up on signing former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, 33, from Inter Milan.

Arsenal will also have money to spend if they progress to the Champions League Group stages from tomorrow night’s qualifier with Celtic.

That could see them go back for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh who has already snubbed West Ham in the hope Arsenal are still interested, otherwise he will stay put.

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West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has flown out to Italy to complete the signing of Livorno striker Alessandro Diamanti.
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