Arsenal will make a bid to sign Ghana midfielder Michael Essien when the transfer window re-opens in January according to reports in the English press.
The surprising development comes in the wake of the slumping fortunes of the Gunners.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly looking to add some steel to his fragile midfield with a cost-effective buy in January.
The London club made attempts to sign the ex Lyon player at the beginning of the season but Chelsea were reluctant to sell to a rival club.
The Chelsea leadership are however now reportedly ready to sell off Essien with their focus firmly driven on bringing in young players.
The 30-year-old is currently on a season’s-long loan deal at Spanish champions Real Madrid but the loan spell according to reports can be terminated in favour of a permanent move.
Arsenal’s bid will however largely depend on whether Real Madrid still wants Essien by January.
The Ghanaian has not been able to prove himself at the Bernabeu following fears over his fitness with his recent allergic reaction to an unspecified administered drug.
The tough tackler’s course is however helped by his decision not to join the Ghana national team for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations next year in South Africa.