Arsenal step up the hunt for Newcastle's in-demand striker

The 22-year-old, who is also a target for Juventus, inserted a buy-out clause into his contract when he was signed for £10m from Inter Milan last year by Glenn Roeder and can leave if Arsenal offer the £13m fee.

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Oba wanted: Arsene Wenger has Obafemi Martins in his sights to replace the departed Thierry Henry

His advisors have been sounded out about a move to London and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sees him as a leading target to fill Thierry Henry's role.

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce wants to keep the Nigeria international but knows the player is free to leave if the money is right.

Freddie Ljungberg's agent today denied that the Swede is to become the latest of the 'Invincibles' team to leave.

The 30-year-old, Arsenal's longest-serving player, has been linked with West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth.

But his agent Claes Elefalk said: "Freddie wants to stay at Arsenal until he stops playing. He has a contract with the club until 2009 and he has no thoughts of leaving."

It is believed Wenger is willing to allow Ljungberg to leave on a free as he continues the break-up of the 2003-04 team that went unbeaten through the Premiership season.

Meanwhile, Tottenham and West Ham look set to battle it out for Shaun Wright-Phillips after Manchester City dropped out of the running because the Chelsea winger doesn't want to play under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Wright-Phillips can leave Stamford Bridge if a club meet their £10m valuation, but City's hopes of re-signing the player they sold to Chelsea for £21m two years ago look to have been dashed as Wright-Phillips still has bad memories of working with Eriksson, who has agreed in principle to become the new City boss, during his time as England coach.

Ian Wright, his father, said: "It won't happen. He loves City, but whether he loves themwith Sven in charge is another story."

Chelsea will need to bid at least £13.5m to sign Lyon winger Florent Malouda.

Reports in France say Chelsea have had a £12m bid rejected by the French champions but that a deal could be completed by the weekend.