Dempsey may re-emerge on Arsenal radar as Gotze stays put

A midfielder is still likely to be on Arsenal’s shortlist this summer and with Mario Gotze having signed a new contract at Borussia Dortmund, Clint Dempsey could interest Arsene Wenger again.

Gotze has been heavily linked with Arsenal for much of the last year, but the German teenager has pledged his future to Dortmund, signing a new four-year contract extension.

This is a big blow for Wenger, as Gotze’s directness and dribbling ability would be an asset for almost any club in a wide area.

Meanwhile, with Theo Walcott yet to sign his own extension on a deal that expires in 2013, Gotze could be seen as a direct replacement.

However, attentions will now have to turn elsewhere and it is another player stalling on new terms that could work in Arsenal’s favour.

Dempsey’s present deal at Fulham runs out at the same time as Walcott and he is one of a number of players that Martin Jol may have trouble retaining at Craven Cottage.

Wenger was thought to be pursuing Dempsey both last summer and in January and his goals from midfield would prove highly valuable to Arsenal.

The American has netted 18 goals this season largely from midfield to comfortably be the club’s top scorer and nobody aside from Robin Van Persie has contributed more than nine For Arsenal.

Wenger is also never one to reject a transfer bargain and Dempsey will almost certainly be available on the cheap if Fulham decide to cash in rather than keep him for another campaign and allow him to leave for free.

Dempsey can show his worth further in Fulham’s next Premier League game, where they are 8/11 to win at home to Norwich, while Arsenal are 8/13 to beat QPR.