Arsenal declare interest in Fulham’s talismanic American star

With only a year left on his contract, Fulham are likely to prioritise tying Clint Dempsey down to a new deal, after a terrific season in which the American has notched 22 times in all competitions so far.

Comfortable across the midfield or as an out-and-out striker, Dempsey is in the best form of his career, as his 16 Premier League strikes would indicate, and he has impressed the manager of another London club in Arsene Wenger with his ruthless displays this term.

Wenger is believed to have considered making a move for the USA international last summer, but was eager to observe the consistency of his performances this campaign.

After proving his worth by becoming an integral cog in Martin Jol’s side though, and possibly available at a cut-price with such a short time remaining on his contract, Dempsey looks set to become the subject of more serious interest from the Gunners boss.

Jol has in fact described Dempsey as ‘indispensible’ amidst his impressive displays this term, but the American may fancy what could be his only chance at Champions League football in North London, as he approaches his 30th birthday.

His physical, all-action style and aerial prowess would seem to differentiate him from existing Arsenal attacking options, and he could therefore prove the perfect foil for Robin Van Persie, as the likes of Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner are expected to move on from the Emirates.

Dempsey’s versatility is also attractive to Wenger, who has already tied up a deal for German international forward Lukas Podolski, as he aims to prove to Van Persie that the Gunners are ready to mount a title challenge once again.

The addition of players such as Dempsey would go a long way to proving this, and the native Texan may have a tough decision to make regarding his future this summer.