Arsenal to act over Hleb 'tapping-up'

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he will report Inter to Fifa for making an alleged illegal approach to Arsenal’s Alexander Hleb.

Controversy arose in March when it emerged that Hleb had left Arsenal’s hotel before their Champions League tie with Milan to reportedly talk with Inter officials, but his agent quickly claimed that he and the player had innocently gone for an ice cream.

“I will of course do it [report them to Fifa], with Inter Milan especially,” said Wenger on the club’s official website. “Because of what they did.

“I now know more about what happened over there [in Milan]. I will keep the information for those who need to know it.

“I don’t want to speak much more on that but it is unfair what happened.”

Roberto Mancini was also quoted recently as admitting that Hleb was one of his top targets for the summer but the head coach later denied that he had spoken publicly about the Belarus international.

However, Hleb’s future remains in considerable doubt given he can take advantage of a Fifa regulation to buy out his contract this summer and leave Arsenal.

Despite that being the case, Wenger has sent a clear message to any potential suitors by underlining he has no wish to see the playmaker leave Emirates Stadium.

“Alex Hleb has two years’ contract [left]," said Wenger. "He is not for sale.”