Arsenal have been cleared to sign Cheikhou Kouyate (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have been cleared to sign Cheikhou Kouyate in the January transfer window after Anderlecht confirmed they are listening to offers for the defender.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a long-term admirer of Kouyate have tried to sign him twice in the last two January transfer windows.

But it appears it could be third time lucky for Wenger with Anderlecht now admitting that they will sell the imposing centre back when the transfer window re-opens.

‘We expect to keep our star players, but Kouyate could leave ’ said boss Herman Van Holsbeeck.


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Arsene Wenger is always on the lookout for new talent (Picture; Getty)

‘We know there is interest in him in the Premier League. If a suitable offer arrives he can leave.’



Chelsea, West Brom and Norwich have also been linked with Kouyate, who can play in midfield, but only Arsenal have followed his progress in recent months.

It’s thought that the Senegal international is seen as a key target with Wenger wary of possibly losing Thomas Vermaelen.

The Arsenal captain is currently out-of-favour at the Emirates Stadium and needs regular first-team football to cement his place in the Belgium squad for the World Cup.

Kouyate would be a more than reliable deputy, and would only cost about £6million.