Arsene Wenger is looking to strengthen his midfield during the January transfer window as he looks to push Arsenal on for their first Premier League title since 2004.

The name at the top of his list is Roma’s Leandro Paredes, who has grabbed Wenger’s attention with a number of eye-catching performances since being recalled from his loan spell at Empoli.

The 22-year-old has broken into the first team this season with Luciano Spalletti in charge at the Stadio Olimpico and is now a regular starter for the Serie A side.

Wenger wants some younger talent for his squad to push the more senior members of the midfield and the Frenchman has already been in touch with Paredes’ representatives, according to The Sun.

Paredes joined Roma on loan in 2014 from Boca Juniors, where he started his career, before signing for the Italian side permanently in 2015.

The Argentine has a contract which runs until 2019, which could prove a stumbling block for Wenger, who wants the deep-lying midfielder to provide competition and back up for his midfield during their end-of-season title push.

The move also appears to end any hope Jack Wilshere had of returning to Arsenal following his loan spell at Bournemouth.