good one ! wahaha

Arsene Wenger was adamant that Arsenal are keen on extending terms with star striker Robin van Persie and that the feeling is mutual.

The Gunners boss poured cold water on reports that negotiations with the highly talented Dutch international had reached an impasse, insisting instead that it was just a matter of coordinating schedules.

"We want to extend the contract of Robin," Wenger was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. "The basic problem is to get round the table.

"We did that already a few times but we always got delayed afterwards.

"Robin wants to stay, he wants basically to stay. But he still has two years to go."

The News of the World had claimed that a new four-year deal was offered to Van Persie as far back as six months ago but that the ex-Feyenoord star and his representatives had balked over the club's alleged refusal to include a get-out clause in the contract.

Wenger concluded by stressing, "It is a priority to extend the contract of [Nicklas] Bendtner as well."

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

According to a report in the British tabloid The People, Premier League giants Arsenal have identified Blackburn Rovers' Roque Santa Cruz and Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh as potential replacements for Emmanuel Adebayor.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger was quoted on Sunday as saying that he believes the Togo international forward will still be plying his trade at the Emirates Stadium in the 2009-10 campaign.

However, the 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Serie A outfit Milan since last summer and it has also been suggested he could move to Chelsea should Carlo Ancelotti arrive at Stamford Bridge.

More recently, Manchester City were reported to be readying a bid in the region of €24 million (£21m) for the 6ft 3in striker.

While Wenger may hope to keep hold of Adebayor, it seems that back-up plans are already being made.

The north London club have been linked with a move for Santa Cruz for some time now, although it is thought they are reluctant to meet his reported €20.5 (£18m) minimum fee release clause.

Wenger recently admitted his admiration for Chamakh, but quickly refuted claims that any official contact has been made about acquiring his services.

However, the 25-year-old Morocco international could prove to be a more attractive proposition for Arsenal as it is thought he will cost around €13.5m (£12m).

Both forwards are expected to leave Blackburn and Bordeaux respectively this summer, however, their destinations are not yet certain.

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has vented his frustration after Theo Walcott was named in the senior England squad as well as the Under-21 setup for internationals over the summer.

The Three Lions play World Cup qualifying games against Kazakhstan and Andorra on June 6 and 10. Then, on June 15, the U-21s kick-off their European Championship campaign against Finland in Sweden.

The French tactician is worried that the 20-year-old, who has been limited to just 35 appearances this season because of injury, will not be afforded sufficient time off to recover before reporting back to the Gunners for pre-season training in July.

"My feeling is that I am against it," Wenger is quoted as saying by Sky Sports when asked for his opinion on the matter.

"I let it be known to the FA that he should not play in both national teams during the holiday period.

"It is difficult for us to accept, but the rules are on the side of the federation and we cannot do anything about it.

"It is not logical that he plays for the first team and the U-21s during the holiday period.

"They [the European Championship] finish on June 29 and we start training on July 6."

Wenger revealed that he has spoken to Fabio Capello, head coach of the England senior side, and Stuart Pearce, head coach of the U-21s, but has not reached a definitive conclusion.

"Capello is comprehensive and Pearce is less comprehensive," Wenger remarked.

It seems that, despite the Frenchman's complaints, he accepts the situation is out of his hands as the FA have done nothing wrong by naming Walcott in both squads.

"I have nothing against that," Wenger stated when asked about the versatile forward being picked for the World Cup qualifiers.

"It is the normal FIFA dates. The basic problem is, can you use a player for two different national teams during the holiday period?

"I do not want Theo to stop playing for the U-21s, but I think that during the holiday period he should choose one or the other.

"He wants to play. The player wants to play and I can understand that."

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com