Stephen Appiah

Arsenal have reportedly entered the hunt to sign Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah, who is a free agent after having been released by former club Fenerbahce.

Appiah has already been linked with a host of clubs this summer including West Ham, Tottenham, Genoa and Juventus and it now appears that Arsene Wenger may be about to make a move for the midfielder.

The Ghanaian enjoyed a miserable season last term. Injury forced him to miss most of the season, including the African Cup of Nations, and the midfielder is now keen to restart his career.

The 27-year-old joined Fenerbahce from Juventus in 2005 and reports had suggested he might be in line for a return to Turin, although he has also reportedly expressed an interest in moving to the Premier League.

West Ham had thought to be in pole position to sign the midfielder, yet with finances an issue at Upton Park and the club currently managerless, following the resignation of Alan Curbishley this week, Arsenal may now become favourites to secure Appiah’s signature.

Arsene Wenger’s hunt for a midfielder to replace the departed Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto Silva has been well-documented. Moves for Gareth Barry and Xabi Alonso had been mooted but no offer materialised from the Emirates before the close of the transfer window.

Speaking about a proposed move to North London, the Ghanaian reportedly confirmed that negotiations had taken place but remained coy about his future. He said: “There are talks, there are talks – I can’t say anything yet.”