Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is determined to win the transfer battle for Palermo defender Simon Kjaer.

The People says Wenger is closing in on a deal for Kjaer, who has starred for Palermo in Italy's Serie A this season, and wants the move tied up before the South Africa finals.

Kjaer, 21, has a fixed-price clause of around £10 million in his contract and is open to a move to England - if the terms are right. He almost joined Tottenham in the last window but could not agree wages.