Arsenal Close to Signing Striker Eduardo Vargas on Loan From Napoli

Arsenal are close to securing Napoli striker Eduardo Vargas on loan until the end of the season, according to reports in Chile.

This is despite manager Arsene Wenger insisting on a number of occasions that the North London club are not expected to sign any more forwards this summer.

The Arsenal boss has picked Yaya Sanogo as his starting number nine in both the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace - while he also has Olivier Giroud and Joel Campbell in his ranks.

Nevertheless, there are still some doubts about the lack of a top scorer in the squad and according to La Tercera, the French manager could find the solution to his problems in Alexis Sanchez's compatriot.

The 24-year-old Chilean international is said to be out of Napoli manager Rafa Benitez's plans despite his impressive World Cup alongside Sanchez - scoring a goal against Spain during the group stage while providing two assists later on in the tournament.

Nevertheless, former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez sent him on loan to Valencia during the second part of the last campaign and, according to Chilean newspaper La Tercera, is now ready to sanction his loan to the Emirates Stadium again.

And even though some reports claimed Valencia were also battling for his services, La Tercera claims the Chilean star has opted instead to move to the Premier League and indeed last Friday already told his close family he is joining Arsenal.

The report claims that while the main framework of the agreement is at an advanced stage, the clubs are currently negotiating an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season – hoping to announce the deal before Wednesday.

Arsenal have already signed Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Calum Chambers, while recent reports claimed they are also set to complete the signing of centre-back Kostas Manolas to replace ex-Gunners captain Thomas Vermaelen.