Wenger Could Beat City and Barcelona To Star Bundesliga Duo – Report

Arsene Wenger is planning to raid the Bundesliga when the January transfer window opens, reports claim, with the Arsenal manager hopeful of landing Robert Lewandowksi and Marc-André ter Stegen over Manchester City and Barcelona.

While in previous seasons the Gunners have often lost out on big targets to the likes of City and Barca, now the tables appear to have turned as Wenger's men go from strength to strength in the Premier League.

The last-minute signing of Mesut Ozil in the summer has brought new life to an Arsenal side that appeared to be running out of excuses as they finished last season in their regular Champions League spot by just one point.

With his side now at the top of the table, Wenger will reportedly be handed another huge budget come January and he is believed to have placed Lewandowski and Stegen at the top of his wishlist.

Lewandowski's contract with Borussia Dortmund is now entering its final 12 months and in the next transfer window he is free to discuss a move elsewhere with interested clubs. It was believed that he would make the move to Bayern Munich but the striker insists that he is open to the possibility of playing in the Premier League.

City are also hopeful of making a bid for the Poland international, who played a big part in getting Dortmund into the Champions League final last season, but Metro is reporting that the Manchester club faces a fierce battle with an Arsenal side with more money to spend on transfers than ever before.

Wenger is also believed to be on the lookout for a keeper to improve competitiveness with Wojciech Szczesny, and Stegen, 21, has been receiving glowing reports for his performances with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Barcelona have reportedly shortlisted the Germany international as a replacement for the outgoing Victor Valdes but Le10Sport and Marca claim the Catalan giants might be beaten by Arsenal.

Wenger spoke yesterday about having full faith in Szczesny to perform but the manager didn't give the Poland international consistent playing time last season and, given the chance to upgrade to a proven, more consistent keeper he might be tempted.