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Arsene Wenger will launch a final bid to buy West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame this weekend.

Despite public declarations that Arsenal are not in for him, the Mirror understands Wenger is still keen to try to make the Diame deal happen before the transfer window shuts next Thursday night.

Diame, 25, has a £3.5million buy-out clause which West Ham are desperate to eliminate by giving the Senegalese midfielder a new contract.

But Arsenal have made enquiries, Diame is keen on a move to the Emirates and it will now come down to whether the deal can be agreed in the next few days.

Wenger is desperate to add some physical strength and power to his midfield, and 6ft 1in powerhouse Diame fits the bill.

Arsenal do have some doubts about whether the Senegal is good enough defensively but they feel £3.5m could be worth the gamble.

The Mirror revealed earlier this week that Wenger is full of admiration for Diame and that the former Wigan midfielder is keen for West Ham to let him go.

Arsenal have also not given up on signing Barcelona's unsettled striker David Villa, and that issue could go right to the wire on deadline day.

The Gunners feel there has been enough encouragement from the player to give them hope that Barca may agree to sell, with the Spain international wanting more regular football.