Arsenal in talks to sign West from Milan

Nigerian defender Taribo West is a target for Arsenal.

The London club's vice president, David Dein, has made contact with AC Milan over the possibility of a sale for the centre back.

West joined Milan at the start of 1999 in a move across the city from rivals Inter. He has not featured as a regular for coach Alberto Zaccheroni and has told his agent to find a Premiership club.

The Nigerian international almost moved to Newcastle at the start of last year but instead chose Milan after a bitter feud with then Inter coach Mircea Lucescu.

The defender started his career in France with Auxerre before a move to Metz where he attracted the attention of Inter.

West is keen to move to the London club but Arsenal do not want to pay more than £6 million for the player.

Coach Arsene Wenger is facing an ageing back line and the recent failure to sign Brazilians Edu and Edmilson to reinforce his veteran squad.

Arsenal are still no further forward in their two month attempt to sign striker Sylvain Wiltord. Bordeaux are sticking by their price tag of £15 million for the 26 year old Euro 2000 winner and Arsenal do not want to move much above £12 million for Wiltord who remains on strike at the French club to try and force through his move to the Premiership.