Gunners in talks to sign ex-Chelsea forward Kalou as Palace close on Bendtner

Arsenal have held talks with Lille over a move for Salomon Kalou as they prepare to let Nicklas Bendtner join Crystal Palace.

Former Chelsea winger Kalou, 28, has been the subject of interest from West Bromwich Albion, Liverpool and Cardiff but each had struggled to agree terms.

London calling? Kalou (second right) joined Lille from Chelsea last summer

He can leave on a £2.6million deal and wages of around £60,000 a week. Arsenal are weighing up whether to push through the deal as they continue to discuss big names signings. However, they know Kalou can fit straight into the Premier League which is important with Lukas Podolski and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain both out injured.

Palace are battling to make signings but hope to beat off competition from Hull for £2million Bendtner.

Manager Ian Holloway has also held talks with Huddersfield over a £2m deal for full-back Jack Hunt and is close to signing Jimmy Kebe from Reading for £1m.

Outcast: Bendtner has spent the last two seasons out on loan

Free agent Carlton Cole is also an option and they have made a bid for Melbourne Victory and Australia midfielder Mark Milligan.