The stock of Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and power-playing forward Emmanuel Emenike has risen as a result of their impressive showing in the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Though Nigeria gallantly lost to France in the second round of the championship, some of the world’s top managers had seen enough of Enyeama and Emenike to pounce.

Arsenal of England manager Arsene Wenger is reported to have approached Enyeama in Brazil to open talks on the possibility of his leaving Lille of France for the English Premiership giants.

According to the Lagos-based Sporting Life, “the Frenchman feels Enyeama has done enough in the ongoing World Cup to earn a place in his star-studded team.

“The Gunners’ 29-year-old second choice Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski recently signed a four-year deal with Swansea after seven seasons in London. Wenger has not made it a priority to look for a capable and dependable back up for his first choice in the Arsenal goal, Wojciech Szczesny, who is also Polish.”

Sporting Life quoted a top member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who was with the Super Eagles in Brazil throughout Nigeria’s World Cup campaign, as revealing that Wenger spoke with Enyeama and showed huge interest, but will only proceed with the deal if the player’s employers, Lille are interested in releasing him to Arsenal.

The source was quoted as saying: “Let me reveal to you that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is highly interested in signing Vincent Enyeama and has actually spoken to the player but has not concluded discussions any way.

“That is the reward of wonderful performances Enyeama has recorded in the World Cup in Brazil. Enyeama has proved in Brazil that he is among the three best players in the World Cup and I won’t be surprised if he finally pitches tent with the popular London club, Arsenal.”

Meanwhile, another English Premiership side, Chelsea, are reportedly set to make a £15m move for Emenike.

“The 27-year-old scored 11 goals in 27 appearances for Fenerbache last season, and could reportedly be the first man Jose Mourinho brings in as he attempts to overhaul his strike force,” according to one report.

•Photo shows in-demand striker Emmanuel Emenike.

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