It was reported during the summer that the Everton and South African international midfielder Steven Pienaar is keen to join Arsenal on a free transfer next summer. the 28 year-old has refused to sign a new contract with the Toffees but has decided to cash in with one last big move while he can.

There are rumours flying about that Man City, Chelsea, Tottenham, and even Juventus are ready to make Pienaar lucrative contracts, but FanFc reports a “source” as saying: “Steven was very flattered by Arsene Wenger’s complimentary remarks last summer and has made up his mind that he wants to play for him.”

In case you didn’t catch Wenger’s remarks in the summer, he said: “Pienaar has grown this year,” Wenger told Sky Sports. “He was usually a very busy player where the final ball was missing a little bit, but this year he has gained in personality and he has kept his work rate, so he has been much more efficient.

“What also played a big role in his growth was that Mikel Arteta was not there for a while and that he had to take the responsibility of being the playmaker of the team.

“He was one of the best players in England this year. He would get into the Arsenal team. I always had an eye on him since he was at Ajax.”

Could it be that Wenger has already persuaded him to come to the Emirates?