According to a report in The People this morning, Arsene Wenger is "plotting a £12million raid for Everton starlet Jack Rodwell. The Arsenal boss has had promising youngster Rodwell, 18, watched several times this season."

In the same article, The People claim that "The Gunners are also running the rule over Senegalese striker Demba Ba , who would cost around £10m. Wenger's chief European scout Gilles Grimandi has been keeping tabs on Ba, 23, of German high-fliers Hoffenheim."

Jack Rodwell, 18, has been highly impressive for Everton this season playing predominantly in central midfield despite being a centre back by trade. Rodwell agreed a five-year contract in February that means Arsenal would have to launch a major bid to secure the youngster.

Demba Ba, 23, has been one of the most impressive strikers in the Bundesliga this season. The Senegalese striker was a major reason behind Hoffenheim’s excellent start to the campaign.

Scouts in Germany describe Ba as a "high potential player, he is fast. robust, technically skilled and has great positioning." The Hoffenheim striker has scored 11 goals this season, claiming four since the winter break.

Three of these goals came in a 3-3 draw with Stuttgart last month, highlights of the match can be seen below.