Arsenal are moving in on a surprise £2 million deal for Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov, according to reports in the Sun.

Arsene Wenger's side returned to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Cardiff, however Nicklas Bendtner hurt his ankle after scoring and faces "weeks" out, joining first-choice striker Olivier Giroud on the injury table.

Lukas Podolski has only recently returned from a four-month lay-off due to a hamstring injury, leaving Wenger's options up front limited.

And with Arsenal well-placed to challenge for a first Premier League title in 10 years, Wenger looks to be determined to shore up his attack. The deal would see Berbatov, who began his time in England with Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham before joining Manchester United, sign for one year with the option of a second.

Berbatov has six months left on his Fulham deal with his agent publicly admitting the striker wants a January exit. The 32-year-old has scored five times for Fulham this season, with three in his last three games.


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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told reporters that he is not currently planning to bid for Dimitar Berbatov.

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Several reports suggested on Thursday that the Gunners could make a move for the Fulham striker, who continues to be linked with a transfer away from Craven Cottage and is thought to be valued in the region of two million pounds.

In December, Berbatov's agent told Press Association Sport that the striker is looking to leave Fulham, although his manager Rene Meulensteen is hopeful he will remain in West London.

Wenger's striking options are currently limited with Olivier Giroud and Nicklas Bendtner both sidelined, meaning Lukas Podolski or Theo Walcott could deputise in the central position against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Speaking at his news conference ahead of the North London derby clash, Wenger said Berbatov is not someone they will be making a move for at this stage.

"Berbatov is a not a name we have considered at the moment," Wenger told reporters. "We have not even been out on the transfer market, we have not contacted anybody.

"I don’t want to go into any speculation on any specific name because that would not help where the player plays at the moment and would be disrespectful to the player’s club.

"We are just analysing the situation, being very cautious until we are well informed about Bendtner and [Yaya] Sanogo as well, because he is back in training now. We will make a decision after that.

"At the moment we are just considering our options. I must confess they are quite restricted. In the way that the players available can strengthen our squad are not on the road, they are all under contract, most of the clubs are in competitions where they need their best players.

"I don’t rule anything out, but first I have to assess well our internal situations with the injuries and the players coming back."

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