Arsenal Transfer Rumour: Gunners Target Russian Ace

Arsenal are interested in signing CSKA Moscow midfielder Alan Dzagoev. The 21-year-old scored a brace for Russia in their 4-1 win against Czech Republic in their Euro 2012 opener on Friday.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been keeping tabs on the player and despite the fact that Russian captain Andrei Arshavin and wing-back Yuri Zhirkov failed to adapt to the Premier League on a long-term basis, the north London club are now said to be ready to table an offer for Dzagoev, reports the Metro.

The highly rated attacking midfielder could be available for a cut-price deal this summer as his contract with CSKA runs out next year. However, the Russian club are aware of the interest in their player and are preparing to offer him a new and improved contract.

The report also claims that Arsenal could face competition for the Russian from their London rivals Chelsea. The European Champions are currently rebuilding their attack and Dzagoev - a self-confessed Blues fan - could be one of the potential signings.

Dzagoev moved to CSKA in 2008 and has made over 100 league appearances for the club scoring 26 times. He also has six goals from 21 games for Russia.

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has expressed his delight at making the starting line-up for England's Euro 2012 opener against France on Monday. The 18-year-old featured for 77 minutes in the 1-1 draw and was replaced by striker Jermain Defoe.

"I'm delighted to represent my country and I gave everything. I have to remind myself I was one of the original players picked for the squad so I'm here to do this job and have to make sure I'm ready when called upon," the Daily Mirror quoted Oxlade-Chamberlain as saying.

"It wasn't about me, it was about getting a result and we will take a draw and get stronger from here. We have really good players all around the squad. I assume there will be squad rotation through the tournament and the boss will use all the resources he has. You have to just respect that and wait for your next chance and take it with two hands," the Southampton academy product added.