Duo linked with Arsenal as Wenger looks to splash Adebayor cash

Arsene Wenger is planning a double dip into the transfer market for Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Wigan’s England under-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole, according to a report in the Sunday Express.

The Arsenal manager has come under fire over his lack of spending this summer with some Gunners fans worried that they are falling behind their top four rivals.

Wenger’s only purchase during the close season has been £10million Ajax defender thomas Vermaelen.

But now the Frenchman, armed with £25m from the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City, is ready to splash out again.

The Emirates Stadium boss believes that Huntelaar, who has had an unhappy time at the Bernabeu since leaving Ajax, can be his ‘fox in the box’ and grab the goals which could help land the club their first trophy since the FA Cup in 2005.

And, with the need to bring in more English talent to comply with UEFA rules governing Champions League squads, Wenger is prepared to test Wigan’s resolve to hang on to tough-tackling Cattermole.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, who took Cattermole to Wigan from Middlesbrough during his time as manager, has had two bids rejected by the Latics, the last believed to be around £6m.

Both Wenger and Bruce know that new Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is reluctant to part with one of his key players as he aims to prove himself in the Premier League.

It is understood that Wigan will not consider doing business until the bidding reaches £10m.

Real Madrid are anxious to sell players to help pay for their lavish summer spending spree on new ‘galacticos’ Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema.

the Spanish club wants around £16m for Huntelaar, who has rejected a move to Stuttgart.

Spurs are also interested in Huntelaar but have been put off by his £70,000-a-week wage demands.

Arsenal have just signed off a similar wage deal for Robin van Persie, who is a big Huntelaar fan and fancies linking up with his Dutch international colleague in the Premier League.

Wenger believes the feisty Cattermole will bring the missing bite to the Arsenal midfield to complement the skills of creators like skipper Cesc Fabregas.

Manuel Almunia, meanwhile, is sure Arsenal can cope without Adebayor and feels there is enough quality in the squad to challenge for major silverware.

The Gunners goalkeeper feels the return of tomas Rosicky from injury and the signing of Andrei Arshavin can help Arsenal compete with the big boys and silence the critics.

Almunia said: “I think the squad is good enough. We will have to wait until a few games into pre-season to find out and the Emirates Cup will be a good test for us.

“We have a few lessons to learn from last season but I think that the more mature we are, the more responsible we are, too.

“I hope this season every player is responsible with their attitude and in all circumstances. I hope we will be very professional, not just in the games but every day as well.

“There is a hunger in the squad. the good intentions are always in our mind and, personally, I will try to do my best for the team.

“Sometimes other teams are better than you and this season we will try to be better than them. I think every single player has to realise what club we are playing for.

“At the moment I have the same feelings I have every season. We are working hard, enjoying seeing everybody after their holidays, and putting every effort in to building up the team.”

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