Arsenal join Nakata chase
The talented midfielder confirmed his desire to leave Serie A's Parma last week and is reportedly only interested in a move to London if he picks The Premiership as his next destination.
With French stars Robert Pires and Sylvain Wiltord yet to ink extensions to their current deals, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering possible replacements if the duo decide to leave Highbury.
Given the collapse of the transfer market, reports suggest Wenger could be ready to accept a straight swap deal with Nakata for the unsettled Wiltord, who is valued at around £8 million.
Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea have meanwhile stepped up their chase to sign the 26-year-old former Roma star.
Club officials met Nakata in London in early May to discuss a possible switch to Stamford Bridge, and a £10 million bid has been tabled according to Tokyo sources.
Japanese television networks have already begun contacting Chelsea TV, the club's official station, for the rights to broadcast from practice sessions if Nakata agrees to join Chelsea.
