By Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED: 19:32 EST, 12 February 2013 | UPDATED: 19:32 EST, 12 February 2013

Arsenal stepped up their interest in Celtic powerhouse midfielder Victor Wanyama on Tuesday night.

A senior Gunners scout was dispatched to Parkhead for the Champions League clash against Juventus to run the rule over the Kenyan.

Arsenal sources claim the midfielder's performance in Tuesday's clash against the Serie A champions would be pivotal in whether Arsene Wenger and his chief scout Steve Rowley decide to solidify their interest in Wanyama, given the higher-calibre opposition.

Interest: Arsenal sent a scout to Parkhead to watch Celtic's Victor Wanyama in action against Juventus

Interest: Arsenal sent a scout to Parkhead to watch Celtic's Victor Wanyama in action against Juventus

Beaten: Wanyama was part of the Celtic side that lost 3-0 to the Italians on Tuesday night

Beaten: Wanyama was part of the Celtic side that lost 3-0 to the Italians on Tuesday night

Wenger will be in the market for a defensive midfielder in the summer after failing to land Toulouse star Etienne Capoue on transfer deadline day.

In addition to Wanyama and Capoue, West Ham's Momo Diame has also been watched extensively by the Gunners.

Meanwhile, flop Andre Santos is set to be the latest player to become an expensive burden on the club's wage bill, after the defender vowed to see out his Arsenal contract.

As Sportsmail revealed on Saturday, the Brazilian has joined Gremio on loan until December.

Gone: Arsenal left back Andre Santos joined Brazilian side Gremio on loan until December

Gone: Arsenal left back Andre Santos joined Brazilian side Gremio on loan until December

Santos is no longer wanted by Wenger after a disastrous spell at the club since arrival in 2011, and it was thought his move back to Brazil signalled the end of his spell with the Gunners.

However, Santos, who has over two years left to run on his current Arsenal deal, said: 'The idea is to go there, play well and be able to come back strong. Do I have a future at the club? For sure.' 

Arsenal are desperate to get Santos, who earns in the region of 45,000-per-week, off the wage bill on permanent basis.

But they are now faced with the prospect of forking out for yet another player they have deemed surplus to requirements.

Outcasts Andrey Arshavin, Sebastien Squillaci, Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson and Marouane Chamakh all earn in-excess of 50,000-per-week - but still remain on the club's books.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

Defensive midfielder is required but we also need to improve our defensive in the back, do we??? Hope this time this Senior scout have a good catching eye for that.

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I think Arsenal should try to buy Lukaku from Chelsea, it is clear they dont want him and he will become a fantastic player under Wenger.

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Your comment get rid of the deadwood come summer. Wanyama can become worldclass if he joins Arsenal

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Wanyama is too good for Arsenal.

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I'd rather have Diame over him. SPL makes you look like Messi.

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Very average player. Would fit into a side like Reading, not Arsenal.

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A bit too late ain't it Wenger??

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Looked really good

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I watched Wanyama in that match and he was outstanding. He harassed and hounded Pirlo constantly and seemed to be everywhere. He is the type of player that can bring robustness to the team to complement our guile in midfield.

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Very solid player, had a good performance against Juve even though they lost the first leg, he would be a great addition to our squad if we can land him

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