Arsenal Revealed Interest in Joe Cole

Arsenal has recently revealed their interest in Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole. The English international is now expecting to a place in England’s final World Cup squad. However, he is also aware of the fact that his contract at Chelsea expires this June. So, he is naturally worried about his future.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also tracking the midfielder who missed a big part of the last season due to injury. Arsenal is aware of the fact that Cesc Fabregas’ potential departure for Barcelona would create a big void in their midfield, and at the moment, there is no one at Arsenal who could replace the Spanish playmaker.

Arsenal is now in search of a midfielder who could play the creative role in the midfield next season, should Fabregas leave for Barcelona.

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Goal.com

Arsenal Says No to Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas

Arsenal has snubbed Barcelona’s interest for Cesc Fabregas. The Arsenal captain has been the prime target for Barcelona this summer and the player has also recently revealed his interest to move to his boyhood club.

Fabregas recently said that he would only wear Barcelona shirt if he leaves Arsenal. The star midfielder, who joined the North London club from Barcelona in 2003, is the most prized asset at the current Gunners set up.

Barcelona recently officially informed Arsenal of their interest to their captain. However, the North London club has made it clear that their captain is not for sale at any price and they are not even interested to discuss on the matter.

Arsenal’s decision seems to have disappointed Fabregas, but the midfielder has said that his future is currently at the hands of manager Arsene Wenger who would decide whether he stays or leaves the club in the Summer.

Barcelona has been eyeing the player over the last couple of seasons. Ahead of the club’s presidential election coming up next, candidates are using Fabregas deal as a pre-election agenda.

Like the case of Cristiano Ronaldo, who last year joined Real Madrid from Manchester United, there could be an internal understanding between Arsenal and Barcelona over the matter and the player may move to Barcelona next season.

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Goal.com

Fran Merida Leaves Arsenal for Atletico Madrid

Arsenal young midfielder Fran Merida’s speculated move to Atletico Madrid has been confirmed now. The 20-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Spanish club. It is believed that he has decided to leave the North London club looking for more first team football.

The promising midfielder joined Arsenal in 2007 from Barcelona. He also spent a season at Real Sociedad on loan before returning for the 2009-10 season. However, the midfielder’s appearance was mostly reduced to the Cup competitions.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has always been an admirer of the former Barcelona player and it was expected that the player would sign a new deal and stay for few more seasons at the Emirates.

Fran Merida could have gained more first team action at Arsenal should Cesc Fabregas leaves for Barcelona in the Summer. At Atletico, he now has to compete with the players like Raúl García, Reyes, Paulo Assuncao and Ignacio Camacho for a place in the starting line up.

Arsenal Need to Spend £14 million for Gary Cahill

Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill has caught the attention of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and it is no more a secret. With Arsenal looking to strengthen its back four, Cahill has been linked with a move to the North London club this summer. However, Arsenal has to spend around £14million to acquire his service.

Arsenal is almost certain to bring in one or two defenders in the Summer with Wenger pinpointing lack of strength in the defense. Moreover, there is every possibility William Gallas could move away from Arsenal, while Wenger is pondering about selling underperformed defender Philippe Senderos. Mikael Silvestre, another under performed defender, has become a free agent and he might leave the Emirates this summer.

So, it is pretty much understandable that Arsenal is seriously thinking about signing a defender in the summer and nobody can deny that Wenger is an admirer of Gary Cahill.

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The Sun

Gael Clichy Worried about His Place in France World Cup Squad

Arsenal left back Gael Clichy has already made it to the France’s final world cup squad. However, the 24-year-old is still worried about his chance to travel with the France squad to South Africa. France coach Raymond Domenech recently cut his 30-man provisional squad to 24 by excluding 6 players. He just kept one extra player as back up for William Gallas whose availability is doubtful due to his injury.

However, the squad has already been 23 as Real Madrid defender Mahamadou Diarra has been ruled out for the world cup following his recent injury. Though the squad is still 23, there is every possibility Domenech could replace someone with one of the excluded members of the provisional squad.

That is why, Gael Clichy is worried about his place. This is going to be his first international tournament with France national team. He failed to make it to the France squad for Euro 2008.

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Goal.com

Fran Merida to Move to Atletico Madrid

Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida is now all set to move away from the North London club to Atletico Madrid in the summer. In his attempt to get more first team football, the Spaniard has decided to move to Madrid.

Arsene Wenger is reportedly an admirer of Merida, but the talented midfielder now wants to play more, instead of sitting on the bench. Last season, he was not featured in the starting line up of any premier league match. He just got into the first eleven of a Champions league fixture against Olympiakos and three other matches in FA Cup and League Cup.

Arsenal has recently offered a contract extension to Merida which he rejected as he looks to join Atletico Madrid in his bid to get more action on the field. However, it is suggested that he would get more first team football at Arsenal next season, if Cesc Fabregas leaves Emirates for Barcelona.

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Metro

Real Madrid Looking to Complete David Silva Signing Very Soon

Having seen interests from Manchester City and Arsenal for Valencia midfielder David Silva, Real Madrid is now more active to complete the signing of the Spaniard. Silva is all set to leave the club following David Villa move to Barcelona in order to boost Valencia’s financial condition.

Real Madrid has been eyeing the midfielder for sometime now and negotiations with Valencia are also going on at the moment. Reports in the media suggest that Real Madrid is ready to spend around £17million to acquire the service of the midfielder. In fact, they would now try to complete the dead as early as possible following interests appearing from English premier league clubs.

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Effect of Cesc Fabregas Departure on Arsenal

It is now more or less clear that Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has found his heart in Barcelona. The outstanding midfielder has recently revealed his wish to join the Catalan club, while Barcelona is preparing a formal bid for their former student who joined the North London club in 2003.

Over the last 7 years, Fabregas has grown into one of the top class footballers in the world and there are many clubs who are interested to clinch his service. However, the player has already confirmed he would only wear Barcelona shirt, if he leaves Emirates. So, it is pretty much apparent that Fabregas would move to Barcelona in the near future (most probably this summer). Now, the question is what would be the effect of his departure on Arsenal.

Well, apparently his departure would definitely a huge blow to Arsenal. I believe his move would leave a huge void in Arsenal midfield and it would be far more significant than the departure of Patrick Vieira in 2005. When Vieira left Gunners for Juventus, there were speculations that Arsenal would find it hard to get his replacement. Within a season of Vieira’s move, Arsenal got a more quality player in Cesc Fabregas who showed his talent and skill with sheer effect for the first time in the 2005-06 season. There was no more looking back for Fabregas since then.

Now, who will replace Cesc Fabregas in Arsenal midfield? Is there anybody in the current Arsenal set up who has the ability to fill up the void created by his departure?

My question is yes. Arsenal has a number of talented players who already showed they have what it takes to become a world class footballer. Players like Samir Nasri, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere may be underdeveloped at the moment, but they have the talent to grow into a player like Cesc Fabregas or even better than the Spaniard. They can make it happen in the same system that created Fabregas under the supervision of the same man Arsene Wenger.

However, the problem is if Arsenal would be able to ensure that their young prospects would spent their best years in Arsenal. Fabregas is yet to give his best. Overall, his departure would definitely have some immediate effects on the club in terms of performance, but more than that, Fabregas’ move to Barcelona could give a misleading message to the young players that Wenger need to deal with now.

Cesc Fabregas Keen to Play with David Villa at Barcelona, Says the Catalan Club Official

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas recently revealed his desire to play for Barcelona, and even though there are a number of clubs like Manchester City who are also interested in signing him, the player is most likely to join the Catalan side, if he leaves Emirates.

Rafael Yuste, the Barcelona vice president, said that Barcelona is very close to sign Valencia’s David Villa. He also revealed that Fabregas is also interested to join Villa at Barcelona next season.

Both David Villa and Cesc Fabregas represent Spain in international football and both of them have a big role behind Spain’s world cup 2010 mission. So, it is natural that Fabregas would like to play alongside Villa at the same club.

However, the question is that if Mr. Yuste is believed to be true then why Fabregas is not revealing it in public. The midfielder has given a lot to the Gunner and has learnt a lot from the club. In fact, he developed into an excellent player at Arsenal. Arsenal fans would like him to stay at the Emirates, but even if he wants to leave, he should do it in a way so that the good vibe between him and the club remain intact.

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Metro

Arsenal Eyeing on Bologna goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano

It is now an open secret in the media that Arsene Wenger would buy 2 or 3 top class players in the Summer transfer widow. Naturally, the club has been linked with a number of players. Another name added to Arsenal’s target list is Emiliano Viviano who is currently playing for Serie A club Bologna. The 24-year-old goalkeeper is also the target of another Serie A club Fiorentina. Arsenal has already been linked with a number of goalkeepers including Juventus’ unhappy keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Well, nothing has been confirmed by the club or the keeper yet, so we can consider it as a rumor that Arsenal is interested to sign Emiliano Viviano. However, one can not rule out the possibility of Wenger’s interest on Viviano, given his recent form and experience. The goalkeeper has the experience of representing Italy at U-21 level. So, he can add class as well as experience to Arsenal’s defense, if Wenger can land him at the Emirates.

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Goal.com

Arsenal Targets Ghana International Kwadwo Asamoah

Initially, it was pretty much clear that Arsene Wenger would strengthen his defense in the transfer window by recruiting goalkeeper and defender. Now, it seems that Wenger has an eye on his midfield too. With Arshavin and Fabregas revealed their Barcelona interest recently, Arsene Wenger is now forced to focus on Arsenal midfield.

Reports out in the media suggest that Wenger is currently tracking Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah who is currently playing for Italian club Udinese. The player’s agent recently admitted Arsenal is keen to sign the midfielder. Following his excellent performance for Udinese and Ghana in the African Cup of Nations 2010, it is pretty much understandable that a number of top European clubs are interested to acquire his service.

Arsenal scouts have been following the creating midfielder who can play as a central midfielder as well as in the left side over the last one year. Chelsea is also reportedly interested in the player and it seems that Arsenal has to compete with the Blues to land the midfielder.

The 21-year-old could be a perfect replacement for Arshavin thanks to his pace and creative mind. However, the player said he has not been approached by any club yet, but he is feeling good knowing that clubs like Arsenal are following him.

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Samir Nasri Revealed Dressing Room Rift with William Gallas

Arsenal’s French international Samir Nasri recently said that he had no communication with fellow countryman William Gallas. He also added that there are at least 4 or 5 players who have the same relationship with the former Arsenal captain.

It is not the first time Gallas has been in news for wrong reasons. The French defender recently criticized Nasri in his autobiography for an incident that happened during Euro 2008 where they were representing France.

So, Samir Nasri did not delay to make a response. However, the youngster revealed the dressing room rift did not affect their on-field performance as they play for each other with the same goal in mind. He said that it is less likely 11 players in a football team will be friends, but when it comes to performing on the field, all play for the club.

William Gallas was stripped off the Arsenal captaincy due to rift with teammates. Manager Arsene Wenger later on revealed that he had done the right thing by giving the captaincy to Cesc Fabregas, and several other Arsenal played said that unity among the players increased after Gallas had been sacked as captain.

William Gallas has been included by Raymond Domenech in France’s 30-man provisional squad for world cup 2010.

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Will Cesc Fabregas Move to Barcelona in Summer 2010?

It is a question that journalists have been tired of asking and club officials of Arsenal and Barcelona have been tired of answering. The 23-year-old Spanish international has been heavily linked with a move to the Catalan club for the last few seasons. Having moved to Arsenal from Barcelona youth camp in 2003, Cesc Fabregas has grown into Arsene Wenger’s finest asset at the Emirates stadium.

Cesc Fabregas is one of the world’s best attacking midfielders at the moment and a number of clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester City have shown their interest to sign him. However, Barcelona remains the only likely destination for Fabreegas and he recently revealed that he would join the Catalan side should he leave Arsenal.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who presidential term will finish this summer, has always been full of praise about the club’s former student. His likely successors Sandro Rosell and Alfons Godall are also heavily using Fabregas in their bid to win the election.

Fabregas recently said that he wants to sort out his future at the North London club before heading to South Africa with Spain’s world cup squad.

Meanwhile, Peter Hill-Wood, the Arsenal chairman, revealed that Barcelona would not try to sign Fabregas this summer. Well, here lies an indication that Barcelona may try to sign him next season.

Now, I suspect there could be a secret deal by which Fabregas may join the Barcelona next season. Don’t get me wrong. You can check what happened to Cristiano Ronaldo when he left for Real Madrid.

Madrid and Manchester United came under a deal one years before Ronaldo’s move and Madrid’s president outgoing president Vicente Boluda oversaw the whole process. Then finally Ronaldo arrived at Real Madrid last summer when Florentino Pérez took over as the chairman of Real Madrid.

It seems that sometime like that could happen to Cesc Fabregas, and his recent wish to join Barcelona also gives more ground to this suspect.

Sol Campbell on His Arsenal Future

Sol Campbell has said that he wants to play at least two more years for Arsenal as he believes he can influence the game and win matches for Arsenal. The veteran defender was signed for a short period in January and his current contract has been expired with the end of the premier league season.

The 35-year-old defender admitted that negotiation for a contract extension has begun and things will be sorted out by July. Campbell has said that he wants to stay at the club and wants a contract for 2 more years, but at the same time admitted that the manager may hand him a one-year contract, instead of two.

This is the second stint for the defender. He played for the North London club from 2001 to 2006 before leaving for Portsmouth. In his first stint at the club, Campbell won 2 premier league and 3 FA Cup titles. Now, let us see if the player can bring back the past glory at Arsenal.

Arsenal Eyeing on Unhappy Stars

It is pretty much certain that Arsenal is gong to spend in the summer with the club handing Arsene Wenger a handsome amount to strengthen the squad. Wenger also indicated that he would go for ‘experienced’ and ‘top class’ players in the summer transfer window.

Reports in the media suggest that Arsene Wenger is now eyeing on two big stars who are now unhappy with their current club. First of all, it is world’s most valuable goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who recently revealed his dissatisfaction with his club Juvestus and hinted a possible move to Arsenal. With Arsenal also looking for an experienced goalkeeper, it is pretty much clear that Wenger must have an eye on the Italian veteran.

Next comes Yaya Toure, brother of former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure, who is now linked with a move away from Barcelona this summer as he has out of favor of coach Pep Guardiola. He lost his place in the Barcelona first eleven because of his high quality colleagues. So, it seems that Wenger would live to have a defender like Yaya with so much physicality and experience.

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A 16% Arsenal Stake of Nina Bracewell-Smith Attracts Many Parties

You already know that there is a race between Stan Kroenke and Alisher Usmanov for the complete takeover of Arsenal. Now, it seems that it could happen very soon, and Daniel Fiszman, the third highest shareholder of Arsenal, has joined the race.

There is news that Nina Bracewell-Smith, who holds fourth largest stake of Arsenal, is now all set to sell her 16% Arsenal stake and has appointed an US-based private firm named Blackstone Group to oversee the selling procedure.

Stan Kroenke, a sports magnate from US, is now the highest investor in Arsenal with 29.9% stake, while Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov takes the second place with 26.4%. Third-placed Fiszmand holds 16.1% stake at Arsenal.

Now, if any of the top 3 Arsenal investors can manage to buy the 16% stake of Nina Bracewell-Smith, it would take their stake to over 30%, and as per the London City takeover rules, they would require making a formal bid to takeover the club.

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Reuters

Arsenal Finished the Season on a High Note after 4-0 Win over Fulham

Arsenal has successfully clinched the 3^rd place in the premier league point table after it defeated Fulham 4-0 at their home ground on Sunday. Going into the game, Wenger boys were looking for at least a point from the match which would have ensured their finish at the third place, and thus, a spot in the Champions League group stage next season. Tottenham Hotspur, who were eyeing for the 3^rd place, failed miserably at Burnley as they lost the match 4-2.

Though Arsenal needed just a point to finish in the top three, the Gunners had different idea from the very beginning of the match. They were with their attacking intent and created many goal scoring chances that were saved by Fulham’s Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Arsenal opened up scoring in the 21^st minute through Andrey Arshavin who did not give Schwarzer a second chance to recollect the ball that he had failed to clear on time. Just 5 minutes later, Arsenal’s Dutch striker Robin van Persie slotted a rebound ball into the goal. Third Arsenal goal was an own goal which came in the 37^th minute when a misunderstanding between Fulham defenders led Chris Baird to send the ball in to Fulham goal.

Arsenal was 3-0 ahead at the half time. After the break, Fulham played much better, but still the Gunners had some good chances which were either denied by the opponent keeper or squandered off by the Arsenal players. Arsenal got the 4^th goal just 6 minutes from the full time when Carlos Vela fired escaping Fulham’s offside trap.

Keeping the upcoming Europa League final against Atletico Madrid in mind, Fulham did not feature many of its regular players. In fact, the West London club rested 8 regular players for the match.

Arsenal came very close to end their title drought this season, but they lost the momentum towards the end. Still, Arsenal has a number of reasons to be happy as they were in the title hunt with 5 matches remaining in the season. Arsenal fans are now hoping that they would be able to do it next season.

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Arsenal linked with Palermo Defender Simon Kjaer

Arsene Wenger is reportedly planning to make a bid for Palermo’s young center back Simon Kjær who has been excellent form recently. The 21-year-old has been awarded the Danish Talent of the Year 2009 and has spent a successful season for Palermo. To many Arsenal fans, Wenger’s move for the young defender could be a matter of surprise because he even recently hinted ‘experienced’ and ‘top class’ players would only arrive at Arsenal in the Summer.

It is no more a secret that Arsene Wenger is now looking for a defender and a goalkeeper in the market for the next season. Speculations regarding the possible exits of Gallas and Campbell made it clear that Gunners boss would like to sign an experienced centre defender. However, it is now pretty much certain that Sol Campbell is going to extend his contract for a season, while Gallas is also likely to stay for a season. So, there may not be any dearth of experience at the heart of the Arsenal defense. So, it is very possible that Wenger could consider signing a young but potential defender like Simon Kjaer who could be a highly qualified back up for the likes of Campbell and Gallas.

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Arsene Wenger Keen to Buy Experienced and Top Class Players

Arsene Wenger has said that he is now looking to sign ‘experienced’ and ‘top class’ players this summer. The Frenchman is reportedly in search of a defender and a goalkeeper, while Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh is all set to join the North London club on a free transfer after his contract with Bordeaux expires at the end of the season.

Reports in the media suggest that Wenger at last has some fund to go for highly experienced and star players this summer. After paying off its Highbury property loan, Arsenal has gained some financial stability. Moreover, last summer’s high profile sales of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor mean Arsenal can buy some players who could help then put an end to their title drought. In fact, Wenger now reportedly has around £35 million transfer budget.

Goal.com reported:

"If we bring some players in then they have to be experienced," the Frenchman said, according to The Daily Telegraph.
"I think we have been in the race this year with the team we had. We will be stronger next year just with the internal improvement and with the experience these players will have.
"The additions will be minimal but if there are some they have to be really top class."

Well, it is nice that Wenger has some amount in hand to spend in Summer, but that does not mean that someone like Kaka or Cristiano Ronaldo are coming to the club. Wenger has to buy at least two players, other than Chamakh: one goalkeeper and a defender. So, I do not think that Wenger would buy another striker. I think, Wenger would buy a highly skilled and experienced defender and a goalkeeper of Doni’s class. With Arshavin’s possible departure for Barcelona seems Wenger would consider buying a midfielder too.

Gianluigi Buffon at Arsenal?

Gianluigi Buffon has revealed his wish to play in English Premier League if he leaves Juventus. There comes an indication of a strained relationship between Buffon and Juventus, but nothing has been confirmed.

Though considered as one of the giants of Italian league, Juventus agonizingly failed to achieve a top-four finish in the domestic league, and thus, failing to clinch the Champions league spot for next season. It is not that Buffon was responsible for this failure, but there is an indication the club is looking for someone else to give the gloves. Perhaps that is what led Buffon to say that England would be his ‘next destination’ if he is allowed to leave Juventus.

The Sun reported:

Buffon said: "If I had to leave, I think England would be my destination.

"My desire to leave Juve is equal to that of Juve's will to have me leave.

"We will see if we will decide for our paths to continue together."

Well, that does not mean that he is going to play for Arsenal who are currently in search of a goalkeeper following the costly mistakes by Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski this season. In fact, Wenger has also been linked with a number of goalkeepers like Manchester City’s Hurt, Liverpool’s Pepe Reina and Roma’s Doni. It is nothing but a rumor that Buffon would be at Arsenal sometime in the future, but you know many rumors in the past turned out to be fact.

Marouane Chamakh Refused Liverpool, Spurs to Join Arsenal

It is now an open secret that Bordeaux’s out of contract striker Marouane Chamakh will be joining Arsenal this summer on a free transfer. The Morocco international has recently said that he decided to move to the North London club in February this year. He is now very delighted to take up the new challenge of playing in English Premier League.

Marouane Chamakh, who played for French side Bordeaux for 10 years, said that English clubs Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were also keen to get his service, but he decided to play for the Gunners. Regarding his stint at Bordeaux, Chamakh said he was the club’s kid, but at Arsenal, he would not be a grown-up player.

Marouane Chamakh helped Bordeaux to win the French League last season and played excellently well in Champions League this season. His arrival is a welcome addition to Gunners forward line up that was badly hit by injury problems this season.

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William Gallas Seeing His Future Somewhere Else

Arsenal defender William Gallas now seems to have started seeing his future somewhere else. The 32-year-old veteran has not signed a new deal with Arsenal yet, though his current contract expires on May 30. The French international has hinted that he had a disagreement with the club while discussing about his contract extension.

Moreover, a number of clubs are keen to acquire his service. Paris Saint Germain is reportedly interested to hand him a two-year deal, while Serie A clubs like AS Roma, Juventus, and AC Milan are looking to sign him. The main thing is that he will be a free agent this Summer and it would definitely earn him an advantage in the transfer market because clubs would not have to pay any one-off transfer fee to sign him.

Well, William Gallas may get a better salary at somewhere else, but he should know that he is already 32 and at this age he can not get the assurance of playing regularly at the clubs like Juventus and Milan. However, at Arsenal, his advantage is that the club does not have too many experienced players so he is always an automatic choice for the centre back position.

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Arsenal Eyeing on English Players

In one of my previous articles, I wrote that Arsene Wenger may not go for a midfielder in the Summer transfer window. Now, it seems that Wenger would definitely try to add a midfielder to his current Gunners squad following Andrey Arshavin’s declaration to leave London for Barcelona.

The manager is supposed to bring in one or two defenders as his experienced defenders will be out of contract this summer. Moreover, Almunia and Fabianski were not impressive at all this season and it indicates Wenger would also be looking for a goalkeeper. In fact, Arsenal has already been linked with a number of goalkeepers including Liverpool’s Pepe Reina, Manchester City’s Joe Hurt and Roma’s out of favor keeper Doni.

Arsenal is now reportedly linked with a number of English players including defender Gary Cahil, Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell, West Ham midfielder Scott Parker and Chelsea’s Joe Cole. I also already mentioned Joe Hurt who is also one of the contenders of England’s no. 1 spot for the world cup.

Besides these probable newcomers, one player is almost certain to join Arsenal and that is Marouane Chamakh whose contract with Bordeaux has been expired this summer.

Andrey Arshavin would Join Barcelona in Summer 2010

Andrey Arshavin has at last blasted the bomb as he has claimed that he is going to join Barcelona this summer. He has further added that his Gunners team mage Gael Clichy would also follow him to Nou Camp.

Arshavin recently said that he would like to join Barcelona and even playing a season for the Catalans would be the peak of his career. Arsene Wenger then said that the Russian is not the kind of player who would kiss the club badge on his jersey and also warned him not to talk in front of media in this manner. Arshavin then commented that he was not an “Arsenal patriot.”

Well, Arshavin’s recent declaration of joining Barcelona has been the subsequent development of what was going on over the last one week. Now, it seems that the player has already agreed a secret deal with Barcelona and Clichy has also gone far.

Imscoutingd reported:

Arshavin told The People: "I am going to Barcelona in the summer. I have always dreamed about going to Spain and playing for the best team in the world. They were unsure about me when I was playing in Russia but I have shown them that I'm the real deal and I know they are ready to talk to me."

The Arsenal forward added: "I want to play for the top team and be trying to win every competition, I don't think you can rate one better than the other, it is all about winning. I want to play for them and that is never going to change."

The Russian international has also added that he want to compete with Xavi and Iniesta for a place in the Barcelona first eleven. Well, I do not see any problem in his wish to play for Barcelona, but the thing is that a professional player like him should not have declared the news in this manner when the league is not yet finished. He is still an Arsenal player and naturally question arises regarding his commitment for the club.

He could have revealed it after the end of the season. No doubt, Arsenal could not win anything in the recent past, but at Arsenal he has always been an automatic choice for the first eleven and got the media attention all the time. Now, he wants to compete with Xavi and Iniesta and there is nothing wrong in it. However, the midfielder should remember that he is already 28 now and he may not be able to play his best football for a long time.

At Barcelona, Arshavin may win many titles, but I doubt how much contribution he could make to those successes.

Arsene Wenger Eyeing on Scott Parker

West Ham United captain Scott Parker has reportedly been the latest target of Arsenal. Manager Arsene Wenger has been handed a handsome amount to spend in the summer transfer window to strengthen the squad. It is now clear that a number of players would arrive at the North London club this summer.

Scott Parker has spent a great season despite West Ham’s poor run. Naturally, the East London club would not like to let its best player move to another club. However, the temptation of playing in Champions League could lure the midfielder away from West Ham. The 29-year-old has enough experience to add to its squad.

Recently, Wenger said that he would like to bring ‘ready-made’ players in Summer as he already had ‘plenty of young players.’ On the other hand, West Ham chairman David Sullivan recently said that he was ready to negotiate offers for any players except Scott Parker.

Well, I think Arsene Wenger would not rush for a midfielder now. Rather, his main objective seems to strengthen the back four by landing a centre back. Moreover, he is also in search of a goalkeeper. The arrival of striker Marouane Chamakh seems to be a matter of time now. Arsenal already has a number of quality midfielders and it seems less likely that he would go for a midfielder in the summer, but Arshavin’s recent wish to join Barcelona could make him think otherwise.

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Wenger Keeps Faith on Eduardo

Croatian striker Eduardo has been struggling for form since returning in action following a long-term recovery from a horrendous injury sustained while playing at Birmingham City in February 2008. However, manager Arsene Wenger has extended his contract, and thus, keeping his faith on the young striker who scored only 6 goals from 31 games this season.

Arsene Wenger believes that Eduardo would come back with his best form very soon. He said:

"He is 27 years old, and wants to play, but we extended his contract because we believe in him.

"In the last month, he looked sharp to me in training.

"He was a bit disturbed [by the injury], but I think next season should be better for him."

Eduardo was enjoying his best season in 2008 just before suffering that injury. He took around one year to get over the injury. Naturally, the player may have lack of confidence. So, he now needs the motivation from the people around him. At this crucial time of his career, nothing could have been a better motivation than a contract extension from Arsene Wenger.

Arsene Wenger Could Make £10m Bid for Roma Defender Philippe Mexes

France international Philippe Mexes could move to Arsenal this summer from Roma. Arsenal is in search of a defender to bolster its defense for the next season and the club has been linked with a number of players so far.

Manager Arsene Wenger recently identified defense as the weak side of the club. Moreover, the defenders like Mikael Silvestre, William Gallas and Sol Campbell will be out of contract this summer. So, strengthening the back four is now the first priority for the manager.

Philippe Mexes will also be out of contract at Roma next summer. So, the club now wants to earn some money by selling him. Rumors out in the media suggest that Arsenal could make a £10m bid for the French defender.

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