Arsenal step up interest in Anderlecht midfielder

Arsenal are upping their efforts to sign Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old Argentinean, who has played in eight of his side's opening nine league games and scored in the 2-2 draw with Mons on the opening day of the season, has been on Arsenal's radar since the summer.

Biglia left Independiente for Europe in 2006 and he is currently under contract at Anderlecht until 2015. The tough-tackling star has been capped six times by his country and won his second title with Anderlecht last season when he helped them regain their crown.

The Ariel Jacobs-managed side would demand at least £8m for their man, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool in the past, but Arsenal are expected to start their usual haggling with an offer closer to £6.5m.

Biglia told Argentinean news agency Telam: "I know that there are movements but they are just usual events to me."