Arsenal Line-Up Swoop for Real Madrid Midfielder

Arsenal are close to finalising the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero, according to reports in Friday's press.

Spanish newspaper Marca reports that an Arsenal delegation was in Madrid last week to open negotiations with the La Liga giants over a possible January move for the 24-year-old.

Granero has been heavily linked with a £6m move to the Emirates in recent weeks as Wenger looks to bolster his injury-ravaged midfield.

With Jack Wilshire side-lined until December and Abou Diaby suffering yet another set-back in his recovery from a broken leg, the Arsenal boss has identified Granero as one of his main January transfer targets.

Wenger was optimistic that Diaby could return by November but the 25-year-old's recovery from a broken leg has been delayed after he picked up a hamstring problem in training.

"You won't see him [Diaby] for a while, the next three weeks," Wenger said.

"I am worried but I was more worried three months ago. His ankle was not good but the surgery went very well then.

"Now his balance has changed so he has to adjust his muscular strength. He has had two small muscular concerns and if he can get rid of them in the next two to three weeks he will be ready."