Japanese playmaker Hidetoshi Nakata could be on his way to Arsenal if Arsene Wenger can overcome the transfer fee stumbling block with AS Roma. "I have already approached Roma. Nakata is undoubtedly a superb player. He stands out, even in Europe," said Wenger in Japan's Sankei Sports newspaper. Arsenal are offering £15m but the Italian club are looking for £28m. "There is a big gap over what they are asking and what we are willing to pay, but both clubs are in talks," he said.
Wenger had a successful spell as manager of J-League side Nagoya Grampus Eight in the early 1990s, winning several trophies before joining Arsenal. "Clearly, Nakata is a fantastic player. For example, I could have (Thierry) Henry as a lone striker and ask Nakata to play just behind," he said. The report also suggests Wenger is interested in signing several other Japanese players, Naohiro Takahara and Junichi Inamoto. "I particularly like Takahara…Inamoto is also a wonderful player," said Wenger.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
