Van Bronckhorst set for Barca

Van Bronckhorst has been a success at Barcelona

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is hoping Giovanni van Bronckhorst can complete a permanent move to Barcelona.

Van Bronckhorst has been on loan at the Nou Camp since the start of the season and been a regular during the Catalan club's resurgence in form.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard appears keen to keep the Dutch international, who has operated at left-back.

"Ideally, he will stay in Barcelona as a permanent signing," Wenger told the club's website.

He added: "Nothing is agreed but that is Barcelona's and Van Bronckhorst's wish. Also we have cover at left-back in Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy."

The emergence of 18-year-old French defender Clichy has improved Wenger's defensive options, while Edu has largely replaced Van Bronckhorst in midfield.

Reports in Spain have indicated the 29-year-old Van Bronckhorst is likely to be staying at the Nou Camp for a further two years.

Arsenal are still keen to receive a transfer fee for Van Bronckhorst, who cost around £7.5m when he signed from Rangers just under three years ago.

Wenger is also looking to sell Francis Jeffers, who has been on loan at Everton, while he may similarly be open to offers for Jermaine Pennant, who has been on loan at Leeds.

Martin Keown, Kanu and Sylvain Wiltord could leave at the end of their contracts this summer, although Dennis Bergkamp appears likely to be offered a final one-year deal.