Arsenal Transfer News: Wenger Scouts Midfield Replacements As Fabregas Tensions Mount

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Despite a routine 4-0 victory against a woefully poor Malaysia team, the Cesc Fabregas transfer saga continues to overshadow Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia.

Earlier this week, the Spain international Xavi claimed that Fabregas, who didn't travel with the squad because of a muscle injury, was "suffering" as his protracted transfer to Barcelona has not yet been realised. Yesterday, Arsene Wenger reacted angrily to the "disrespect" demonstrated by the European Champions after Xavi's comments were posted on the club's website.

"If I found Barcelona in exactly the same position, I believe a mutual respect between the clubs should stop this kind of comment. It is very disrespectful and it is not the firs time that Xavi has been disrespectful to Arsenal Football Club," Wenger told reporters.

"What is important is that Cesc Fabregas is contracted to Arsenal Football Club. That is a fact. Arsenal want to keep him and all the rest is comment."

Meanwhile, the Emirates outfit have been linked with a string of players in today's press, as Wenger looks to strengthen the club's defense.

Wenger has been frustrated by the lack of progress made towards signing Bolton's Gary Cahill or Christopher Samba of Blackburn and reports today suggest the Frenchman will instead turn to FC Copenhagen defender Mathias Jørgensen to partner Thomas Vermaelen in the Gunners defense.The 6ft 3in Jørgensen has represented Denmark at international level and made his debut in the Champions League last season.

Arsenal are also believed to be "on the brink" of signing Newcastle United full-back Jose Enrique, according to reports. Newcastle manager Alan Pardew recently suggested that the 25-year-old Spaniard would be leaving St James' Park this summer.

"He's made it pretty clear that he still won't sign a contract and that his future may be elsewhere. I'm not really comfortable with that, but we will have to deal with it," Pardew said.

Finally, reports from Germany suggest that Arsenal are monitoring the situation at Bayer Leverkusen where midfielder Arturo Vidal is attracting significant interest from clubs around Europe.

The 24-year-old is also wanted by Bayern Munich after a string of impressive displays during Leverkusen's Bundesliga campaign last season. The £12m-rated Vidal only has one year remaining on his current contract, with talks about a new deal not yet forthcoming.

Vidal joined Leverkusen in 2007 and has scored 15 goals in almost 120 appearances.