Arsenal in shock move for former Spurs star Kevin-Prince Boateng

Arsenal, 10/3 with Coral to retain the FA Cup, could take a chance on out-of-form Schalke star and former Spurs attacking midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Berlin-born Boateng, who represented Ghana at international level before a dispute at the last World Cup, has floundered this season and could become available for a fee of around £10m in summer, should Schalke decide to cut their losses.

Currently vice-captain of the Gelsenkirchen club, bullish Boateng has failed to find the net in any of his 16 appearances across all competitions, and has fallen down the pecking order of a side that boasts fledgling talents such as Max Meyer.

The adaptable attacker has, however, been deployed often in a deeper role or at the tip of a diamond for the Royal Blues this term, and contributed three assists.

Never a prolific scorer, the fiery forward-thinking star provides his club with much tenacity and thrust, linking midfield and attack.

Still only 27, Boateng could tempt Arsene Wenger into taking a punt on his undeniable talent. Explosive on his day, with a lethal strike from distance, the powerful and pacey dynamo has often struggled with consistency, but could still prove to be a valuable squad player.

Boateng will already be familiar to fans of the north London club, after the versatile former Black Stars talisman played 15 games for local rivals Tottenham. Considered a flop At White Hart Lane, it is unlikely a transfer would stir up much contention.

Wenger may view the 15-capped Ghana international as ideal short-term solution and a plug for numerous potential gaps in his side, allowing the Arsenal boss to focus on fixing his defence over summer.

Boateng, nicknamed the “train without brakes”, could certainly give the lightweight Gunners (20/1 to reach the Champions League final) more of a physical presence in midfield, without sacrificing guile.