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ARSENE WENGER is on the verge of signing Liverpool outcast Xabi Alonso.

Wenger has turned to the £16m-rated Spaniard to provide the experience lacking in his young midfield at the Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal manager moved for Alonso after admitting defeat in his late bid to tempt Gareth Barry away from the clutches of Rafa Benitez.

He has already moved swiftly to make contact with the Reds and expects to tie up a cut-price deal within days.

Alonso is valued highly at Anfield but Arsenal expect them to do business for nearer £12m as they need funds to buy Barry from Aston Villa.

Wenger was keeping his cards close to his chest last night, but sources in Liverppool suggest the deal is all but done.

Wenger said: “I don’t know if Gareth Barry will leave Aston Villa. At the moment I am not on this case. I like Gareth Barry – and I like two or three other players. I don’t speak about names.”

Alonso is surplus to requirements at Anfield despite winning Euro 2008 with Spain.

He even held talks with Juventus earlier this summer.

But the Gunners are now in pole position to land the 26-year-old as a replacement for Mathieu Flamini, who quit to join AC Milan.

Wenger had said Abou Diaby would play the holding role this season.

But the Arsenal boss now wants a more experienced player in there to lead his youngsters after selling Gilberto Silva to the Greek side Panathinaikos.

The prospect of Alonso moving to Arsenal and teaming up with Cesc Fabregas will horrify Liverpool fans.

They warmly received the Spanish international when he scored from the penalty spot in the win over Rangers at Ibrox at the weekend.
Benitez is prepared to sell the player, but admitted that the price tag which has already scared off Juventus, could be a problem for clubs.
“Xabi is a very good player,” he said. “It will not be easy to sell because the value of Alonso in the market will be really high.

“We are pleased because we don’t want Alonso to go unless we get a very good price.”

Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri, when asked if there was still a chance of signing Alonso, said: “No. Not at all.”

it looks good with cesc & xabi as spanish armada on midfield.

good. i prefer to alonso than barry.

Benitez is still refusing to rule out the possibility that he could sell Xabi Alonso - despite the astonishing support the midfielder has received from Liverpool fans.

Benitez also insists that 'Liverpool are ready for the Champions League' next week, maintains Alonso will only leave now if the club receives a massive offer for his services.

I think Alonso will have a great understanding with Fabregas. I hope Wenger is listening.... or already finishing some negotiation for this guy.
We need experience to close out games.

Go Gunners!

News came out he's worth 16mil & Arsenal may go ahead..So, u think he's worth that much?
I think he's worth that price & a reasonable one too.

yes, he is one of my favourite players from our hatest rivals....

According to latest news, Wenger is ready to pay 12 millions pounds for him.
But liverpool wants 16 millions for him. Arsenal doesn't want to pay that much because he is cup-tied.
I want to see Spanish duos in our midfield.<Alonso and Cesc>

huh? Arsenal couldn't afford 16mil for him? this is sick news...Alonso is already an established player now...I also would love to see spanish duo on midfield..what a great combination it would be.