TRANSFER NEWS: Arsenal & Spurs Line-Up Chelsea Outcast

Arsenal and Tottenham are both interested in signing Chelsea centre back Alex during the January transfer window, according to reports today.

Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of the 29-year-old’s and enquired about his availability in the summer, only to be told he Brazilian defender wasn’t for sale. Alex has since struggled to hold down a first team place under Andre Villas-Boas and had a transfer requested accepted last week.

The Gunners are ready to reignite their interest in January with Wenger reported to be keen on adding more experience to his defence, despite the £8m summer signing of German Per Mertesacker.

However Arsenal will face competition from North London rivals Tottenham, with Harry Redknapp identifying Alex as an alternative to Gary Cahill, who Chelsea hope to sign as a replacement for Alex.

Alex’s contract runs out at the end of the season so could be available for as little as £3m, which would represent good value for a player with such experience at both Premier League and international level.