Wenger chases Artet to join Arsenal for injured Fabregas

London, Dec 31 (IANS) Arsene Wenger's chase of a creative midfielder to re-ignite Arsenal's title challenge in the English Premier League has prompted the manager to target Everton playmaker Mikel Artet.

Arsenal has slipped a bit in the title race and now trail leaders Liverpool by 10 points. They are also fighting out with Aston Villa to get a berth in the Champions League.

But what more prompted Wenger to look out for a creative playmaker is the loss of Cesc Fábregas due to medial-ligament damage.

The club has seen mid-fielders Mathieu Flamini, Gilberto Silva, Lassana Diarra and Alexandr Hleb leave in the past 12 months which has further reduced Wenger's options. The persistent injury problems have also sidelined Tomas Rosicky has also worsened Wenger's problems.

Artet has played in the UEFA Cup for Everton but would be eligible should Arsenal prise him from Goodison Park. Wenger, who has also lost Theo Walcott to a long-term injury, is seeking 'someone who can create a little spark' and, beyond a creative player, would ideally like to add further to his midfield options, potentially with another loan arrival.