Arsenal in shock move for Adrian Mariappa

Arsenal could be set to match Newcastle's 2 million GBP offer for Watford defender Adrian Mariappa, according to a report in the Sun this morning. The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is frustrated with the second rate performances of some his defenders, and could now turn to the 25-year-old.

The defender - comfortable playing anywhere in defence - has played over 200 games for Watford, but has told manager Sean Dyche that he would like to leave the club after 7 years, in search of Premier League football.


The Gunners are not prepared to match the 4 million GBP asking price of Watford, but the player's club will struggle to reject an offer from a club the size of Arsenal.


Arsenal scouts were watching Mariappa in action last week in Watford's FA Cup game against Tottenham.