Arsenal are said to be interested in Chelsea centre back Alex as Arsene Wenger continues to look for defensive reinforcements this summer. The Gunners manager has been chasing a number of targets without success and reportedly now turns to the Brazilian international international.
The 29 year old tough tackling defender is by no means a first team regular and the arrival of new Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas may well mean that the former PSV Eindhoven man could find his starting role chances further diminished as the former FC Porto boss continues to be linked with numerous prospective signings.
Alex made just 12 Premier League starts last term and the arrival in January of fellow countryman David Luiz further limited his chance to shine in the Chelsea side and could well feel that his future may lie away from Stamford Bridge.
Arsene Wenger will know that it may be very tricky to persuade a fellow Premier League title rival to sell but that will not prevent the Frenchman making an inquiry about the possible availability of the one time Santos star. The uncompromising powerfully built centre back may be just what Arsenal are looking for to provide muc needed stability at the back.
Last summer Arsenal brought in Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci and neither French international adapted well to life in the Premier League and the absence of Thomas Vermaelen for almost the entire campaign severely hamstrung the North London side and led to the Gunners conceding 43 Premier League goals, the equal worse return during the Wenger regime.
Arsene Wenger has had his hands full trying to keep the likes of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas from the clutches of prospective suitors but has also been trying hard to bring in defensive back up. Arsenal failed with a bid for long term target Phil Jagielka and it is unknown whether the Emirates Stadium side will return with another bid.
They have also been strongly linked with interest in Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba and Bolton Wanderers England international Gary Cahill but a move for the hugely experienced Chelsea man may appeal more to Wenger, especially as Johan Djourou is beginning to finally realize his obvious potential.
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