Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly ready to launch an £8million bid for highly-rated Barcelona youngster Bojan Krkic in January.

The Frenchman admitted last week that he is keen to bolster his attacking options at the Emirates Stadium after it was confirmed that star striker Robin van Persie is facing up to five months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

With Nicklas Bendtner also weeks away from returning to action, and Eduardo and Theo Walcott continuing to be plagued with niggling injuries, the Gunners are desperately short of fire power.

Having ruled out a move for former Manchester United hitman Ruud van Nistelrooy on Monday, Wenger is now believed to have cast his eye over Barca's diminutive 'fox in the box' Bojan to help alleviate his striking dilemma.

The Daily Star claims 'The Professor' would be willing to part with up to £8million for the 19-year-old, although it is our understanding at ExtraFootie that La Blaugrana would favour a loan deal.

Bojan has been frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities at the Camp Nou this season having fallen behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and wing-wizard Pedro in Pep Guardiola's pecking order.

He has only made made five league appearances this term, and a short term move to the Emirates Stadium may suit all parties involved as Bojan looks for regular first-team football in a bid to break into the Spain squad ahead of the World Cup finals next summer.