The Sun says Wenger flew to Africa two weeks ago to speak with the Cameroon international.

And the Frenchman came away confident he could land his man after Eto'o revealed he would jump at the chance to play in the Premier League.

An excited Wenger informed his board of the good news, but was disappointed to be told Arsenal could not meet Barca's asking price.

The Spanish giants will not part with Eto'o, 26, unless they receive an offer in the region of £25million.