Arsenal are ready to make a bid for dynamic midfielder Mohamed Diame from West Ham.
The Gunners are sorely in need of some power in midfield, and Arsene Wenger sees Diame as the perfect option.
Wenger has also grown frustrated with Abou Diaby's unending problems with injury, which has further solidified the manager's lookout for a solid midfielder.
West Ham recently admitted Diame, who only joined the Hammers in the summer on a free transfer from Wigan, has a release clause in his contract, which, according to goal.com is as low as £4 million ($6.5 million).
That figure is perfect for Wenger, who is renowned for looking at bargain buys.
Diame put in a man of the match performance against Chelsea last week when he almost single handedly turned the game in West Ham's favor, while also impressing in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal earlier in the season.
Arsenal have been linked in the past with moves for similar midfielders Victor Wanyama and Yann M'Vila. Wenger has reportedly dropped his interest in the latter after being put off by his disciplinary issues, while Celtic rejected a bid for Wanyama in the summer.
Meanwhile, Wenger has insisted spending money at the remotest sign of a crisis is not the way to run a club successfully. "I have big respect for the passion about the game in England," Wenger said. "But football is more than just splashing out. It's much deeper, much bigger than that.
"It's about sweat, thinking, working hard. You have a big tradition of that in England. I believe the pride of this country historically is built on that. It's what makes this football strong and interesting.
"If you go to Nottingham Forest they have won the league. If you go to Aston Villa they have won the league. That means historically this country has always been about effort and thoughtful thinking about the game.
"I am scared that all these qualities today have less importance in the game."
Wenger said he is not afraid to spend money if it's available, but believes being responsible and trying to build a club from within are much more important. "It won't change, it doesn't mean we will not spend money," he added. "I am always painted like a guy who refuses to spend money.
"But I just think I act like a responsible manager because we went through a period where we had restricted funds and I acted in a responsible way.
"We want to be the best. But the best is not only about buying players. We need to continue with what has made our strengths until now.
"I don't say that money doesn't play a part in it, but it's not only about that. We have to continue to believe that it's not only about that.
"What is the game about then? Football has to be even, interesting, unpredictable."
