Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Will Gunners Snatch Liverpool Target Axel Witsel?

Arsenal Transfer Rumours See Gunners Competing With Liverpool For Sporting Leige Starlet Axel Witsel

Arsenal have found themselves incredibly active in the early portion of this year's summer transfer window, as the club looks to completely re-vamp itself after last season's disappointing finish. One of the primary areas that Arsene Wenger has looked to target thus far has been the midfield.

Therefore, the news that the Gunners are looking to swipe Sporting Leige starlet and Liverpool target Axel Witsel from under the Reds' noses should come as little surprise. According to a report from Metro Sport, the Gunners are looking to add the 22-year-old Belgian's offensive talents to their already solid attack.

Witsel emerged as one of the better attacking midfielders in Belgium last season, dazzling opponents en route to scoring 10 goals in 34 games. He showed sublime touch last season, and popped up on Liverpool's radar much earlier than he did on Arsenal's.

However, Witsel's father, Axel Witsel Sr., told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport that his son has long dreamed of playing for the Gunners.

"I personally hope that this was his last season with Standard as he needs to grow and to do it he needs to leave the country,' Witsel Snr told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

'He doesn’t have a specific target but he has a dream and it’s called Arsenal, but this doesn’t mean that he’s not open to other clubs.'

Witsel represents a decent value for most Premiership clubs, as he can be landed for just £9 million, a price high enough to scare off Serie A suitors Fiorentina and AC Milan, but one that lands right in Wenger's wheelhouse.

Of course, you can bet that Liverpool will be fighting hard to land the talented youngster, as they've had scouts at Sporting's matches throughout the season. They really like the 22-year-old, and see him as an excellent partner for Steven Gerrard in the midfield.

But, in the end, this looks to be the Gunners' race to lose. They certainly have the cash to make the move, and a need in the midfield for an offensive presence. When you factor in Wetsel's desire to play at Emirates, the Gunners look fairly likely to land the promising midfielder.

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