According to this source the Gunners are within sight of a very good signing to boost their bare midfield.

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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.
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.”

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

This could well be a very good signing indeed. Xabi Alonso is just the type of player that Wenger likes to have. A quick-thinking player with vision and guile, the partnership of the Liverpool man and Cesc Fabregas will scare the life out of every Premier League side. Clearly Rafa deems the former Sociedad player surplus to requirements and, as the Anfield boss needs cash, it’s very wise of the Gunners to make this swoop.

Not sure if this deal is as clear cut as this report makes it out to be, but one thing is for sure. An Arsenal side with Xabi will surely make a good fist of a title challenge and will greatly complement the youthful squad at the Emirates. Are Arsenal fans happy that such a deal may be about to be completed? And do Liverpool supporters think Benitez should reconsider?

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