Arsenal ‘targeting Wendel transfer from Zenit but face competition from West Ham and Flamengo for midfielder’

ARSENAL are interested in signing Zenit St Petersburg star Wendel, according to reports.

The midfielder, 24, joined the Russian outfit in 2020 and has Champions League experience under his belt.

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The Gunners are looking to make midfield additions this summer and have submitted an enquiry to Zenit about Wendel’s availability, report Globo.

West Ham have reportedly done the same with David Moyes keen to bolster his midfield further following the addition of Flynn Downes.

But it appears Flamengo are leading the race for Wendel after failing to sign Andreas Pereira from Manchester United, who joined Fulham instead.

All three clubs have a good chance of signing the Brazil international as he is looking to reach an agreement with Zenit to terminate his deal after FIFA authorized the suspension of his contract due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Wendel may not come cheap however as he still has three years left on his contract.

He also joined Zenit for £17million from Sporting Lisbon and the Russhian club will likely be looking to make a profit from his sale.

But for Arsenal the former Fluminese star is a cheaper alternative to other targets like Youri Tielemans.

Mikel Arteta was said to be plotting a £30m swoop for the Belgian despite only having one year remaining on his contract.

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The Arsenal boss also has his eye on Chelsea ace N’Golo Kante, who is also in the final 12 months of his contract.

Arsenal hope to wrap up a £16m deal for the Frenchman and it is possible Wendel is being lined up as his midfield partner.