Arsenal in talks with TWO star defenders

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants TWO new centre halves – and is in talks with Blackburn’s Chris Samba and Bolton’s Gary Cahill.

Wenger has accepted that his back-line has to be strengthened and is trying to agree deals for the proven top-flight defenders.

Rovers star Samba’s touch may not be the best but he would be ideal for domestic action, where Arsenal were found wanting last season. The Arsenal boss will have to pay around £12million to land him.

Samba would also leap at the move, which would be a blow for Blackburn as they are already losing Phil Jones at the end of a season in which they only avoided relegation on the final day.

Wenger has also made a fresh move for classy Cahill, ironically after pulling out of a potential double deal for Samba and Jones.

The Gunners chief was not prepared to meet the valuation on England Under-21 prospect Jones, who is now believed to be heading for Manchester United.

Arsenal would like to take England squad-man Cahill for around £15m cash or throw some of their fringe players into a part-exchange package.

Bolton also have interest from Manchester City, which also includes exchanges, but the Gunners may appeal more to Cahill.

It would be a massive change of direction if Arsenal raided the domestic market heavily, but this past season has taught Wenger a few painful lessons.