Arsenal line up £10m bid for Palermo defender Simon Kjaer - report

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to attempt to reinforce his defence this summer by bidding for Palermo's Danish international centre-back Simon Kjaer, according to a report from The People.

Wenger has targeted the Dane after identifying him as the ideal partner for Thomas Vermaelen.

The 21-year-old has a fixed price clause in his contract of €10 million and is open to the prospect of a move to England, having almost joined Tottenham Hotspur in January.

That deal broke down as a result of Kjaer's wage demands, with his request for a salary of £100,000 a week proving to be a major snag for Arsenal's north London neighbours.

The report indicates that the Gunners may be willing to pay him that, but only if Kjaer commits to them before this summer's World Cup finals, when a good performance from the payer could increase competition for his signature.