Smart move for Cleverley?

Cape Town - According to the Metro website, Arsene Wenger is ready to sign a new contract at Arsenal after being handed a £70 million transfer war chest – with Manchester United’s Tom Cleverley among his targets.

Wenger, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, has been linked with jobs at Real Madrid and PSG in the last few weeks, but after talks with the Gunners board he is ready to sign a new two-year contract, and will be rewarded with a huge £70 million transfer kitty.

However, while Arsenal fans might be hoping for big names such as Karim Benzema or Edinson Cavani, Wenger has set his sights a little lower...

The Daily Mirror reports that Cleverley is tipped to leave Old Trafford this summer after his team's dismal performance this season.

The England international has had a forgettable 12 months, having lost the respect of many fans.

Cleverley is also known to be a target for Everton.

Arsenal are also reported to have rekindled their interest in Karim Benzema after Real Madrid reportedly put the striker up for sale. The Gunners have been tracking Benzema for the last two seasons, with the Frenchman struggling to impress since joining Madrid.

Wenger is desperate to add a leading frontman to his squad for next season, and Benzema would be the ideal candidate to appease fans who want to see more big names arrive.

Madrid would want up to £25 million for the striker, who is set to shine for France at the 2014 Soccer World Cup in Brazil.