Arsenal are preparing a £6 million offer for Cardiff City winger Joe Ledley.

The Sunday Mirror says scouts have been tracking the left-sided midfielder since the start of the season and Arsene Wenger is ready to launch a second raid in six months on the Bluebirds as soon as the transfer window opens.

The Arsenal boss needs to strengthen his midfield because of the succession of injuries suffered by Czech star Tomas Rosicky. That has left Wenger desperately short of cover on the left flank, with just Abou Diaby to slot in for Samir Nasri.

Wenger could face competition for the 21-year-old from Tottenham and Everton, but the Frenchman believes his good relationship with Cardiff - after this summer's transfer of Aaron Ramsey - could swing the deal.