Arsene Wenger is expected to send scouts to watch Parma middfielder Afriyie Acquah, during January's Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. The 20 year old is on a season-long loan from fellow Serie A club Palermo and has impressed in his eight appearances this season. And Wenger is set to follow up on his long-term interest in the Ghana international this summer, according to the Daily Express.

Afriyie Acquah
fcparma.com

Acquah is rated highly by both club and country, with former Palermo sports director Walter Sabatini comparing the youngster to compatriot and Chelsea star Michael Essien. The report also claims Arsenal would have to shell out around £8m to land the central midfielder.

The Emirates club have yet to sign a replacement for Cameroon midfielder Alex Song, who joined Barcelona in the summer, and are still searching for a long-term replacement for ex-French international Patrick Vieira, who left the club seven years ago.

Acquah, who is a product of Northern Ireland outfit Glentoran's academy, made his senior international debut earlier this year and scored the winner in the Black Stars' ACN qualifier against Malawi in October.

Bendtner Suffers Injury Blow

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, after the Danish international was injured playing for Italian champions Juventus in a midweek Coppa Italia clash. Bendtner is presently on loan with the Turin club. The Dane started the game for the Old Lady but was forced off before halftime due to a groin strain.

"Nicklas Bendtner underwent X-rays and scans after being forced to leave the pitch with an injury during [the Cagliari] game. The tests revealed a groin strain. The Danish striker will undergo further examinations over the coming days to assess the full extent of the injury," read a statement on the club's official Web site.

The 24 year old is yet to score a goal for Antonio Conte's side, despite having made nine appearances so far this season.

South Africa Malawi