SOCCER:ARSENE WENGER has confirmed Arsenal are considering a move for the Lille forward Eden Hazard this summer.

Hazard, who turned 20 yesterday, is already a Belgium international and though not a prolific goalscorer, his speed and exceptional technique mean he is an obvious fit for Arsenal. The player said this week that, with clubs from all over Europe courting him, he dreams of moving to the Emirates.

“Let us try to make his dream come true,” Wenger said when told of the player’s ambition.

Wenger does not intend to bid for Hazard during the January transfer window but confirmed Arsenal are monitoring him, while he also ruled out buying a centreback if Thomas Vermaelen returns as expected next month following a long-term Achilles injury.

“We are following him,” Wenger said. “I think he has real talent and the level needed to play at Arsenal. But in the offensive department we have many players. At the end of the season we’ll have a look at the situation.”

Vacancies could arise in the Arsenal squad if Carlos Vela and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas leave in the summer. Wenger expects both players to go out on loan this month while Nicklas Bendter has indicated he will leave unless he gets more playing time.

Arsenal hope to secure Samir Nasri to a long-term deal over the coming months, having begun talks on extending the Frenchman’s contract, which expires in the summer of 2012.

Wenger welcomes Aaron Ramsey back to the Arsenal fold for today’s FA Cup tie against Leeds United. The 20-year-old has not played since suffering a double fracture of his right leg following a tackle by Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross last February.

“He is doing very well,” said Wenger. “He needs to get all his movement and pace back. I still give him one or two months to be completely back. On the psychological front it is reassuring – you never know for sure how it acts on the player’s minds but he is not scared.”