ARSENE Wenger is planning to go back in for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso this summer. Arsenal came close to landing the Spanish international last year, when Kop boss Rafa Benitez was trying to bring in Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

ARSENE Wenger is planning to go back in for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso this summer.

Arsenal came close to landing the Spanish international last year, when Kop boss Rafa Benitez was trying to bring in Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

That deal looks set to be resurrected soon, leaving the way clear for 27-year-old Alonso to leave Anfield.

A year ago the Gunners were reluctant to meet Liverpool's �16m asking price for Alonso but following another blank season they may now be ready to splash out.

The cultured star's value is likely to have risen to around �18m, but Wenger and the Gunners board appear to have accepted they need to bring in established Premier League stars if the club is to end a trophy drought which goes back to the FA Cup in 2005.