Arsene Wenger is interested in taking Michael Owen to Arsenal, according to reports in the north east.

The Newcastle Evening Chronicle claims that Wenger asked St James' Park officials whether they were intending to partner Owen with Obafemi Martins next season. He apparently indicated that he would be interested in taking whichever striker may be available.

Wenger is expected to watch Owen when he plays for England B against Albania this Friday night and again when he faces Brazil and Estonia if he proves his fitness at Turf Moor.

The report suggests that Manchester United's interest in Owen has cooled because of the combination of his £5million-a-year wages and his questionable fitness, while Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has no interest in taking him back to Anfield.

Wenger has made his admiration for Martins very clear in the past, but the Nigerian will disappear on African Nations duty at the same time as Emmanuel Adebayor, leaving the Gunners with limited options.

Owen is still to sit down and talk with Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce about his future.