Arsenal linked with Baggies forward

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly considering a summer swoop for West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie. The Nigerian striker has been in sparkling form this season with 10 goals to date and the Daily Mail claims Wenger could be set to reignite his interest in the forward. The Arsenal boss is believed to have failed with an £8million move in the summer, but the Frenchman could be set to test West Brom's resolve yet again. However, Wenger has also been heavily tipped to snap up German international striker Lukas Podolski at the end of the current campaign and it remains to be seen whether or not he will launch a raid for Odemwingie if he is successful in his bid for the Cologne frontman. The 30-year-old forward snubbed a move to Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala in January and is tied down to a long-term deal at the Hawthorns, meaning Arsenal may miss out on Odemwingie even if they do make a concrete offer at the end of the season.

Match Report: West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Peter Odemwingie was on the scoresheet as West Brom moved out of the relegation zone with a derby win over Wolves. Mick McCarthy's side made a positive start to the game with Adam Hammill coming close early on. He forced a decent save out of Ben Foster inside two minutes before Kevin Doyle saw a penalty appeal turned down by referee Chris Foy. But moments later they were made to pay. A lapse in concentration at the back allowed Premier League debutant Billy Jones to reach the byline and his cut back was side-footed into the roof of the net by Chris Brunt. The goal came against the run of play and Wolves almost found an immediate equaliser when Nenad Milijas' shot was blocked off the line but, for all of their possession, Wolves created little more in front of goal. The Baggies looked dangerous on the break and almost had their second before half-time but for an incredible last ditch challenge from Stephen Ward to deny Shane Long in a goalscoring position. Roger Johnson could have been given his marching orders after the restart when he brought down Long as the last man but the referee thought the skipper got enough of the ball. Hammill then came close again for Wolves as his shot was again saved by Foster. The hosts always looked the most likely to get the all-important second goal and Brunt was denied his second of the game by Wayne Hennessey on the hour mark. Jonas Olsson saw his shouts for a penalty turned down when he was wrestled by Christophe Berra in the build-up to a Baggies corner. Johnson should have equalised for Wolves when he steered a free header wide from six-yards and it was clear it was not going to be their day when substitute Odemwingie doubled the scoreline on the 76th minute. Paul Scharner set up the opportunity with a neat back-heel and the Nigerian clinically finished from 18-yards. It is Roy Hodgson's first win over Wolves at the sixth attempt and moves the Baggies up to 11th in the table. Wolves meanwhile are in free fall after sinking to their fifth successive defeat and hover above the drop zone.

West Brom: Peter Odemwingie deal talks to begin

West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie's representatives will hold fresh talks with the club over a new contract for the Nigerian international during the next few days.Odemwingie had a memorable first season for the Baggies, scoring 15 goals and playing a major role in keeping them in the Barclays Premier League.
The 29-year-old has a year left of his current contract plus a 12 month option.But Albion are keen for the player to sign an improved long-term deal to stave off interest from other clubs.Odemwingie said: "A few days ago, I was supposed to have a meeting with the West Brom leadership on the current contract."However, it did not take place and the meeting has been rescheduled for the next couple of days (with his representative)."
Odemwingie is currently on holiday in the United States and there is nothing untoward about the contract talks being delayed.There has been intense speculation about the future of the Nigeria international since the end of the season.But the Baggies have not received an official approach.Albion want to secure Odemwingie's services after losing the battle with Swansea for Watford striker Danny Graham who is moving to the Premier League newcomers in a £3.5million deal.
West Brom had previously made a £2.5 million bid to the Hornets.

Arsenal in for Peter Odemwingie

Arsenal are weighing up a shock cut-price £4m move for West Bromwich striker Peter Odemwingie.
Odemwingie caught Wenger’s eye during both Premier League clashes against the Baggies last season, which saw the Midlands club take four points - including a 3-2 win at the Emirates.Odemwingie only has a year left on his current Baggies deal, though manager Roy Hodgson is desperate for the striker to commit to a long-term contract. But the lure of Champions League football could be too much for Odemwingie to resist.However, it is unlikely Baggies boss Roy Hodgson will let his star make a summer move to the Emirates without a ready-made replacement in the wings.Hodgson was recently rumoured to have tabled a £2.5 million bid for Watford's star striker Danny Graham and may be willing to release Odemwingie if the bid is successful.Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, Lille’s Gervinho and Porto’s Radamel Falcao are also in Wenger’s thoughts, but a move for Odemwingie would be more cost-effective, freeing up funds to strengthen other areas.Wenger will step up plans to reshape his squad by going on a scouting mission to South America this month. He will watch a number of international friendlies leading up to the Copa America, which kicks off on July 1.