Arsenal in Babel talks

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has offered Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger the chance to sign Anfield misfit Ryan Babel, according to The People.

Babel has been on the verge of leaving Liverpool for the past few weeks, but he is understood to have turned down deals to join both Birmingham City and Sunderland. 

Benitez is desperate to raise funds in order to make a serious bid for Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones and The People claims that the Arsenal and Liverpool managers have been in dialogue over a possible deal for Babel over the past few days.

However, it is thought that Arsenal will not consider paying the £11million asking price for the Dutchman.  But The People suggest that Arsene Wenger would consider a part-exchange deal involving Spanish youngster Fran Merida who is out of contract at the end of the season and has hinted he may leave the Emirates Stadium, being linked to Atletico Madrid in particular. 

A potential move to Arsenal would be a dream deal for Babel who seems desperate to secure the highest profile move possible and is also considering interest from French club Marseille.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.