Arsenal transfer gossip: Arsene Wenger preparing shock move for Jermain Defoe?

Reports are circulating that Arsene Wenger is ready to make a bid for Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe. The Tottenham striker was frozen out at White Hart Lane last season and Defoe himself has admitted that whilst he still loves playing for Tottenham he will be looking for first team football next season. Defoe said: "I love the club and I still get the same buzz that I did when I first walked out at White Hart Lane, which is important, but for me the main thing is playing football and if I am not playing football then I am not happy, because I love my football."

Defoe is viewed by Wenger as the perfect partner for Robin van Persie. Wenger is impressed with goal scoring record, and knows he needs a second goal scorer in order for Arsenal to win their first trophy in six years. After a promising season, Arsenal fell away at the end and although Robin van Persie scored eighteen Premier League goals Wenger knows the Dutchman needs support in the goal scoring department. Defoe may have had a baron season in front of goal but his qualities are there for all too see - and he is a proven Premier League scorer.

With Nicklas Bendtner declaring that he wants to leave the club and Marouane Chamakh's failures in the second half of the season, the pressure is on Arsene Wenger to invest heavily to reinforce his striking options. With Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all expected to invest heavily this season; the signing of Defoe could represent a superb piece of business for Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger will also be looking to make head way with the proposed capture of Gervinhio. The Ivory Coast international is ready to sign a four year deal with Arsenal after the clubs agreed a £10.5m price reports the Mirror.

Arsene Wenger is also reported to be close to strengthening his leaky defence. Arsenal are said to be winning the race to sign Gary Cahill from Bolton after his £17m release clause was activated by Arsenal and Manchester City. Cahill is keen on a move to Arsenal where he sees regular first team football easier to come by. Arsene Wenger is also in advanced talks with Blackburn in sealing a deal to take Chris Samba to The Emirates. Arsenal sources say there is a possibility that Wenger could sign Cahill and Samba, which would mean the club, would have six senior central defenders in total, although the Gunners are willing to listen to offers for Sebastien Squillaci.

In other news, Arsenal have released Thomas Cruise, Roarie Deacon, Mark Randall on free transfers after the players failed to win new deals at The Emirates