Portsmouth are ready to rival Arsenal in the battle for Ghanaian international Stephen Appiah who has set his sights on the Premiership.

Pompey are keen to bolster their midfield and a deal for Benfica's Manuel Fernandes is on hold after concerns arose following the player's medical, and Pompey are ready to move for Appiah.

Arsenal have already been alerted to the Fenerbahce ace after he excelled for Ghana at the World Cup, but Arsene Wenger's priority is a new defender which could allow Pompey to move in.

Appiah is keen on moving to the Premiership and would prefer a switch to Arsenal, but Pompey have money to spend this summer and are weighing up a move for the 25-year-old who would cost around ?4million.