Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Eboue could be tempted into making the switch to Serie A as his agent invites bids from AC Milan and Juventus.

The Ivory Coast international, 26, revealed he could leave the Gunners this summer due to a lack of first team action in an interview with France Football magazine on Tuesday.

"It would be hard but I think it would be harder to experience another season like this one.

"In any case, if I leave Arsenal it would be for another league because it is out of the question that I develop elsewhere in England," Eboue told the French magazine.
Eboue's comments have seen the rumour mill begin to turn, and his agent now admits a proposed move to Italy could be on the horizon.

"Arsenal has offered a new four year extension and it is a good deal, but he could leave on a free transfer," Franjo Vranjkovic told Calciomercato.it.

"However, the situation could change if the Milanese sides or Juventus come looking for us."

Arsenal's burgeoning teenage glovesman Wojciech Szczesny could spend the next season away from Ashburton Grove as he has today revealed he has received a number of offers to spend a loan spell with a lower league side.

“I’ve received five loan offers,” Szczesny is reported to have told the press. “Two from clubs in the Championship and three from clubs in League One.

“They include offers from Bristol City and Brighton [and Hove Albion].

“But maybe I will stay, because [Vito] Mannone is not better than me,” he said in a barbed comment toward his young rival.

Szczesny, 19, has failed to establish himself in Arsenal's League Cup plans and is unlikely to receive any first team football at senior level next term due to Lukasz Fabianski's ascent, together with Vito Mannone's ability to cover as third choice goalkeeper, behind Fabianski and Manuel Almunia.

Szczesny has been capped at youth level for Poland and he made 23 appearances for Arsenal's Under-18 side last year, for whom he excelled between the sticks in a run that saw the side top the youth tables.

Eredivisie outfit Groningen are desperate to keep hold of star player Marcus Berg, however, it appears very unlikely that the Swedish international will still ply his trade in the Netherlands next term.

The 22-year-old has already been linked with Ajax, AZ, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Fiorentina, Lazio and Villarreal in the past couple of weeks and Berg has now also attracted the interest of the English top four.

The striker netted a hat-trick in Sweden Under-21s’ 5-1 win against Belarus on Tuesday evening and this hasn't gone unnoticed in England.

According to a report in Swedish newspaper FotbollsExpressen, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United were all impressed with what they saw last night.

The striker's current Groningen deal is due to expire in the summer of 2011, but the Dutch outfit could be tempted to cash in on their star player for €13 million.

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has admitted that four years is a long time to go without any silverware, but has insisted that he will remain at the Emirates for the foreseeable future.

Currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup, the 22-year-old recently quashed rumours linking him with a move back to his homeland and stated clearly that he is not for sale at this juncture.

The Spaniard claims that he is trying to remain calm amidst the circulating speculation over his future, and is targetting some long overdue silverware for his London-based club.

"Of course it’s hard when you give your all and don’t win," Cesc revealed to Spanish paper Marca.

"I've just spent four years at Arsenal without winning anything. That is tough."

Many believe that Cesc will continue to be linked with a move to Spain, but the player himself remains adamant that he is staying put.

"I'm calm and that’s about being in the right place at the right time," he went on.

"The Club have already said loud and clear that I am not for sale. I have a contract, I'm captain and they have the final word."

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, according to a report in the British tabloid The Sun.

Apparently, Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson is a big fan of the 25-year-old and is looking to take advantage should contract talks between the Gunners and the player continue to stall.

The 36-time capped Netherlands international's current deal is due to expire next summer.

Although it seems Van Persie is happy with the new four-year deal worth a reported £80,000-a-week, it seems that what is preventing him putting pen-to-paper is the north London-based outfit's plans in the transfer market, as he wants to play for a side capable of winning trophies.

"Financially the offer is fine but that is not everything to me. It's about my ambition and how that can be fulfilled," Van Persie is quoted as saying.

"In the last four years I've won only one prize, the FA Cup, and that is too little. I want more."

It is claimed that Ferguson is hopeful he can persuade the former Feyenoord star that a move to Old Trafford would boost his chances of attaining silverware.

However, it is also thought that Inter head coach Jose Mourinho is monitoring the 6ft 2in forward's situation at the Emirates Stadium.

The worrying news for Arsenal fans is that the signs at present indicate Van Persie would be open to a move away from the club.

"Robin loves it at Arsenal but he is getting to the age when he wants to win things," a Dutch source is quoted as stating.

"He knows that there are clubs interested in him and is waiting to see what happens."

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Philippe Senderos may be used as a make-weight as Arsenal step-up their pursuit of Fiorentina's Felipe Melo.

It was reported on Wednesday that the Gunners are interested in acquiring the services of 25-year-old Melo this summer.

Apparently, manager of the north London outfit Arsene Wenger has been casting his eye over the combative midfielder for the past three years.

It was claimed that Arsenal were readying an offer of €17.7 million (£15m) in the hope of landing the five-time capped Brazil international, who is currently with the Selecao at the Confederations Cup.

However, it seems that the Viola may insist that 24-year-old centre-back Philippe Senderos is included in any potential deal.

Having fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, the 31-time capped Switzerland international spent last season on loan at Milan, and it appears that his performances attracted the attention of the Gigliati.

It is thought that Senderos would welcome a return to Italy for the 2009-10 campaign and it is suggested that Fiorentina may be willing to cash-in on Melo.

Arsenal starlet Kieran Gibbs would not be adverse spending next season out on loan as Gael Clichy's return to fitness doesn't bode well for him in terms of starting opportunities.

The 19-year-old showed plenty of promise, after being elevated into the Arsenal first team as a result of the French full-back's injury, prompting Arsene Wenger to brand him as a future England star.

Nevertheless, he is well aware that he still has plenty to learn before he is up to Clichy's caliber, and as such another loan spell (he played for Norwich on a temporary basis during part of the 07/08 season) could prove more beneficial than a season spent mostly on the sidelines.

"It will be difficult because when you play week-in week-out you get used to it and it would be different coming off the bench again," Gibbs was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"I'm still 19 and he (Clichy) is a world-class left-back. I've still got a lot to learn from him and I don't think it will be too disappointing for me to continue learning from one of the best left-backs in the world.

"I enjoyed it at Norwich. Would I go again? I would go again if the manager wants me to, if he feels I need more experience before going back in at that level."

Gibbs' breakthrough season was blighted by a slip in the concluding leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester United that allowed Ji-Sung Park to capitalise and effectively kill the tie. However, he showed little to no signs of mental fragility as a result in the matches following that unfortunate incident.

"It's hard to think at the time and put the blame on anyone else," he said, reflecting on that dark night in early May.

"I felt disappointed after that but I'm trying to forget about that now and this is the tournament I am in.

"I look at the season as a big success for me personally, I've got my experience in and played in some big games that I wanted to play in.

"On the other side, for the team, after what happened in the Champions League I felt disappointed, not for myself but for the team and the people I thought I had let down.

"I received a lot of support after that and that got me through it for the rest of the season. I think it showed a mental strength to come back from that, especially straight after."

Ajax's Thomas Vermaelen has claimed that he will undergo a medical with Premier League giants Arsenal on Friday.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to the Gunners for some time and it is thought that he could finally complete the switch over the weekend.

The Godenzonen are expected to receive a fee in the region of €12.8 million (£11m) for the versatile defender, who can operate as a left-back or in a central position. A four-year contract is said to be on the table.

"The signature is not there yet, but everything is in order," Vermaelen told Gazet van Antwerpen.

"On Friday I will fly to London to undergo a medical. Then I hope to sign."

The 21-time capped Belgium international also revealed how it will be like a dream come true to sign for the north London outfit and be able to test himself on a weekly basis in England's top flight.

"I feel so proud. Arsenal are a fantastic club and as a child I watched them play," Vermaelen remarked.

"On Friday, if I go to Emirates Stadium I will be seriously impressed.

"This will be a big change in my life, next year I will suddenly be facing the best strikers in the world.

"This does not scare me, I will give everything my body has. This is one of the best days of my life."

The 22-year-old Newcastle United defender Sebastian Bassong has admitted to the French press that he is in talks to leave the crisis-torn Magpies.

"I have started to negotiate with two English clubs," Bassong told Aujourd'hui Sport.

Bassong, Newcastle's player of the 2008-09 season, cost the Magpies just £500,000 from Metz last year. Newcastle will be looking for an eight-figure fee from the clubs chasing him, although the small size of their squad could tempt them into a cash-plus-player deal.

Arsenal are reported to be at the front of the queue for Bassong, although Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Sunderland are all interested in the Clairefontaine graduate.

After being relegated from the Premier League last year, Newcastle are sure to embark on a fire-sale of their most notable players. While Bassong is not on big wages, he will command a larger transfer fee than many of his team-mates.

Should Arsenal move for Bassong in addition to Thomas Vermaelen, it would probably mark the end of the road for Kolo Toure, who has been heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester City in recent weeks

Hapoel Tel-Aviv's Vincent Enyeama has revealed that he would be interested in moving to the Premier League during the close-season.

It is claimed that the likes of Arsenal, Hull City and Wigan Athletic have been casting an eye over the highly-rated 5ft 11in goalkeeper.

Apparently, the 26-year-old Nigeria international, who has won 43 caps for the Super Eagles, would command a fee of approximately €2 million (£1.7m).

It is unknown whether the Red Demons are willing to cash-in on Enyeama, but it seems that he is hopeful of completing the switch from Israel to England.

"I am calm. There are contacts in the Premier League. I am interested in playing there next season but nothing is done yet," Enyeama told Sky Sports.

"I want to prove I am the best in the world, so I need to face world class strikers week-in, week-out."

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Manchester City are looking to lure Kolo Toure from Premier League rivals Arsenal during the close-season.

Apparently, the 28-year-old is looking to leave the Gunners due to his breakdown in relations with fellow defender William Gallas, as well as being unconvinced with the direction the club is headed after learning that they have limited funds for transfers.

It is thought that the Citizens, who were interested in acquiring his services in January after he handed in a transfer-request, will offer the north London outfit around £10 million for the versatile defender.

It is unknown whether Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would allow the 46-time capped Ivory Coast international to leave the Emirates Stadium, although it does appear he has replacements lined-up.

Ajax's Belgium international defender Thomas Vermaelen claims he is to undergo a medical at the Gunners on Friday ahead of a proposed £11 million switch, while it has been speculated that Arsenal are in negotiations with Newcastle United for 22-year-old Sebastien Bassong.

Mahamadou Sakho insists he has no plans to leave Paris Saint Germain while accusing a certain Tim Hager of posing as his agent.

The France Under-21 international is one of the most sought after prospects on the transfer market, so naturally there has been no shortage of speculation surrounding his future.

Tim Hager, a man purporting to be Sakho’s agent, has fueled many of the rumours, one of his most recent claims being that the 19-year-old will snub a proposed switch Inter in favour of a move to either the Bundesliga or Premier League.

“Right now someone called Tim Hager is pretending he is my agent and he has made incredible declarations in the English press,” Sakho said on his personal website.

“As a consequence, I firmly deny his words, as I don’t know who he is. I have been working with the same people regarding the management of my career since the age of 12.

“I am going nowhere. PSG’s directors have been approached, but I am going to stay with PSG.”

According to a report in the British broadsheet The Times, Premier League duo Arsenal and Fulham are prepared to go head to head for Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh.

Apparently, the Cottagers held talks with Les Girondins on Thursday with regard to acquiring the 25-year-old's services during the close-season.

It is thought that Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is looking to take the 6ft 2in striker to Craven Cottage as he looks to strengthen his squad in time for their 2009-10 Europa Cup campaign.

However, Fulham are thought to have been unsuccessful so far in their attempts to persuade the 50-time capped Morocco international, who has scored 15 goals for his country, to join them this summer.

Therefore, it appears the Gunners are in the driving seat.

Chamakh has signalled his intention to leave the Ligue 1 champions and claims he has a minimum fee release clause of €8.2 million (£7m) in his current contract.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to have identified the forward, who scored 13 goals in 34 league games last season, as a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor, who could leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Arsenal have confirmed that they have signed Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax this evening, with the Dutch club reporting the deal is worth €12 million.

The 23-year-old defender joins from Ajax on a long-term contract and has plenty of experience having played 143 matches for the Amsterdam team.

Speaking about the signing, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the official club website that he believes Vermalen will strengthen the side.

"Thomas is a great signing for Arsenal Football Club, and we are all delighted that he is joining us. Thomas is a solid performer with good experience of Champions League and UEFA Cup football and is also a regular with the Belgium national team," he explained.

"Thomas is primarily a left-footed centre back, but he’s multi-functional and can also play at left back. He is strong technically with a positive winner’s attitude and I have no doubt his arrival will strengthen our team. Thomas Vermaelen will be a huge asset to Arsenal."

Certainly Vermaelen is experienced both at club and international level despite his young age, and he has made 21 appearances for Belgium already.

After completing the move this afternoon he revealed that he is looking forward to playing in Europe with his new club.

"Firstly, I have to say that I'm sad to be leaving Ajax and I would just like to thank everyone for their help and friendship towards me over the past eight years," he said.

"I'm just so happy to be joining Arsenal. This is a great club with a world class manager, high quality players and a fantastic stadium. Everything is set up for Arsenal to be very successful for years to come and I joined this club because I know Arsenal will be challenging for trophies.

"I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal. I’m also looking forward to playing in the English Premier League, which for me, is the best league in the world. Also, I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season."

Cesc Fabregas is not going to be returning to Spanish football this summer because he wants to stay at Arsenal, his compatriot and fellow Gunners midfielder Fran Merida has stated.

The 19-year-old is convinced that his fellow Catalan is preparing to remain at the Emirates despite increased interest from Barcelona in the past few weeks.

Both Fabregas and Merida rose through the youth ranks at Barcelona before opting to move to north London to join Arsenal where they are learning their trade under Arsene Wenger.

It is Fabregas that Barça are so keen to have back however, with little mention of any urgency for Merida's return due to reports that he has not progressed as well as was hoped.

Merida thinks that his team-mate will stay though, even as Real Madrid have again been linked with a move for the player that has claimed he is a Barça fan through and through.

“There have been many rumours about Cesc going to Barca and Madrid, but he is delighted with the project here,” he told El Mundo Deportivo.

“He hasn’t finished at Arsenal yet.”

When Adriano rescinded his contract with Inter mid-way through last season, one of the first names in the frame to replace him was Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, the player is still on Massimo Moratti's wishlist, but only as a fallback plan as his first choice would seem to be Twente starlet Marko Arnautovic.

The 20-year-old has drawn plenty of comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his young career thus far.

Meanwhile, the Gunners currently value their Dutch star at £20 million, but with just one year left on his deal at the Emirates, it's possible he could leave for a lesser price as his contract negotiations have reportedly stalled.

Van Persie scored 11 goals in 24 appearances this season in the Premier League and is also of interest to English champions Manchester United.

According to a report in the British broadsheet The Times, Manchester City are looking to pounce for Arsenal's Kolo Toure during the close-season.

It was claimed on Friday that the Citizens were ready to offer £10 million for the 28-year-old, and it is now thought that a £12m bid may be in the pipeline.

Apparently, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is willing to let the 46-time capped Ivory Coast international leave the Emirates Stadium having completed the signing of Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax on Friday.

The French tactician is thought to have accepted that Toure wants to leave the north London outfit, and with the prospect of losing him for around one month next season due to the African Cup of Nations, has decided to cash-in.

The 6ft centre-back's contract is due to expire next summer and as it looks unlikely he will agree to extend his stay at Arsenal. It appears the Gunners would rather receive a fee for him now than risk losing him for nothing.

Bordeaux chairman Jean-Louis Triaud has revealed that alleged Arsenal target Marouane Chamakh will not be leaving on the cheap during the close-season.

The 25-year-old has been tipped to move to the Premier League this summer, with the Emirates Stadium thought to be his most likely destination.

On Friday, Triaud was quoting as saying that Les Girondins have not entered into negotiations with the Gunners regarding the transfer of the 6ft 2in striker.

The president of the Ligue 1 champions has now revealed that it would take a significant offer to land the 50-time capped Morocco international. Triaud has even stated there is a possibility Chamakh will extend his spell at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

"If he were to move to Arsenal, I am not sure that selling [Emmanuel] Adebayor would be sufficient to attract him and us," Triaud said on RMC.

"If Arsenal were to offer €10 million it would not be enough.

"I have not spoken with Marouane since the end of the season. Still he has a year left of contract. Could he sign a new deal? Indeed.

"I am not sure that he has already gone, as he has everything he needs in Bordeaux, including his family. We are going to talk about it."

Young central midfielder Yohan Cabaye has declared his desire to leave Lille this summer, ideally moving to one of Ligue 1’s top clubs.

Champions Girondins de Bordeaux have an interest in the 23-year-old, who played 32 times for Lille last term, scoring five goals and picking up five yellow cards. The volume of yellow cards give a clue to his all-action style.

Now Cabaye himself has confessed that he would consider such a switch.

“I am 23-years-old and my career is growing very fast,” he declared to L'Equipe.

“I feel that I need a new challenge, to continue to grow and take a step. Knowing that Bordeaux are interested in me is very flattering. They are the champions of France and the side that produced the most beautiful game last year. If I have the opportunity to go there, I want to take it, but I am not master of my transfer.”

The Parisian based daily states that Cabaye has a release clause of €7.5 million on his head and the player seems to support this claim.

“I actually signed the paper but I don’t know how it works after that,” he said.

“All that I hope is that the club’s leaders and supporters will understand my choice.”

Arsenal have also taken an interest in the midfielder, but he appears keen to remain in France.

“Ideally, I’d like another big step forward in France,” he declared, doubtless going some way to silencing any rumours about him crossing the channel.

Cabaye was certainly one of the top talents in Ligue 1 last term, forming one facet of an impressive Lille midfield that was the main driving force behind their climb to the Europa League next season.

Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue has moved to distance himself from speculation linking him with a move to Ligue 1 outfit Paris St. Germain.

It is thought that the 26-year-old could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium during the close-season, having slipped down the pecking order over the last season or two.

Although he scored four goals during the 2008/09 campaign, the utility man, who can play in defence or midfield, was named in the starting eleven on just 27 occasions.

While the 24-time capped Ivory Coast international admits he would like to play first-team football on a more regular basis, he has hinted that he would be content to stay with the north London club and fight for a spot in the side.

Apparently, reports in France are suggesting that PSG are preparing a €7 million bid (£5.9m) for Eboue, but he is adamant he knows nothing about it.

"I'm not aware of any contact with PSG. They are a good team, however, I have a contract with Arsenal," Eboue told Sky Sports.

"My ambition is to stay and play but because of a lack of first-team play, I'm not happy. I want to play."

St. Etienne defender Mouhamadou Dabo has stated that he has received no offers from Premier League clubs.

The 22-year-old full-back has reportedly been interesting the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City, as well as Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyonnais.

These rumours have not gone unnoticed by the Dakar-born player, who admits he is aware of the speculation, but has said that no offers have been made for him.

The France international has admitted he is not sure where his future lies, but will wait patiently over the next couple of months to see if any offer comes in.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Dabo said, "I am calm. I have not heard from anyone yet so let's wait and see.

"I am not losing any sleep over these links."

The speculation is set to intensify over the summer, with many teams reportedly scouting the French full-back for the past couple of months.

It is believed that if an offer from a big club comes in, Dabo will make the move, leaving a struggling St. Etienne side.

Dabo has been at the French club his entire career, having been promoted to the first team in 2004.

He has now played a total of 87 Ligue 1 games for the club, without scoring.

Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has stated that he will use the Under-21 European Championships as a boost to spur him onto World Cup glory next year.

The Gunners youngster is currently on international duty with Stuart Pearce's Under-21 squad at the championships in Sweden, where England have already qualified for the semi-finals with a game to spare.

He announced his presence at the tournament in the game against Spain, coming off the bench to set up England's second goal in a 2-0 win over one of the tournament favourites.

Walcott feels the experience gained in Sweden will prepare some of the players for the World Cup next year.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Walcott said, "It’s just good to be involved in the tournament and it’ll be a great experience for me, with the World Cup hopefully to come.

"I missed it a couple of years ago, so it’s nice to be involved this time and I think we have the potential to win it.

"It’d be great to bring a trophy back to England."

The 20-year-old striker has been developing slowly at Arsenal for the past couple of years but has now become a vital member of Fabio Capello's England squad, scoring a hat-trick against Croatia in a World Cup qualifier.

Andrey Arshavin, a man whose impact at Arsenal in the second half of last season marked him out as one of the transfer coups of the campaign, has stated that he'd like to return to Russia and end his career with Zenit St Petersburg, the club he left to join the Gunners in January,

"I played for Zenit for a long time and now I want to play abroad and then return to St Petersburg to finish my career here," Arshavin told Radio Zenit.

The Russian international, who can occupy a variety of playmaking roles, either through the middle or on the flanks, spent nine years at Zenit between 2000 and 2009, winning a host of trophies, including the Russian Premier League, the Russian Cup and the UEFA Cup.

Arshavin reportedly has no plans to leave Arsenal just yet and hopes to add to his impressive personal tally of winners' medals by helping to bring some much needed silverware to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's last trophy was the FA Cup in 2005, it is a dearth of honours that continues to trouble many associated with the club.

Following Thomas Vermaelen's transfer from Eredivisie heavyweights Ajax to north London outfit Arsenal, the Belgium international has already alluded to eyeing the captaincy by declaring that he will take any extra responsibility that he is offered by manager Arsene Wenger.

He explained to the Daily Star Sunday, “If the trainer wants me to take responsibility, I will. If he sees I am the right person for it, I will take it.

“I am very young, this is a big club but I am used to the pressure.

“At Ajax, there was a lot of pressure and I think I am used to it now. This is a big step to a great club and we’ll see how it goes,” he concluded.

The transfer of Vermaelen polarised opinion. During the past season Arsenal were said to be lacking true leaders, as Wenger named multiple captains while Fabregas was injured.

Vermaelen, despite his 23-years of age, has great experience in this field as he has captained Ajax for the previous campaign.

The father of Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has rubbished claims his son could be set to join Italian club Roma this summer.

Bendtner had been seen in Rome, and rumours started to emerge that the Dane could be the subject of a transfer to the capital as Luciano Spalletti, the Roma coach, is reportedly looking to bring a frontman to the club.

However Thomas Bendtner, who acts as a representative for his son, moved quickly to dismiss the story, insisting Nicklas was merely in Italy on a pre-planned holiday.

"There is absolutely nothing to the rumour about Roma," Bendtner senior told Sporten.dk.

"Nicklas is happy at Arsenal, and the trip to Rome has been planned for a long time, just like his other summer plans."

It is unclear so far this summer whether Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is looking to reshuffle his strikers, though Togolese international Emmanuel Adebayor has again reportedly been targeted by AC Milan.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have signed Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax on a long-term contract

According to a report in the British broadsheet The Daily Telegraph, Robin van Persie is not far away from inking a new contract with Premier League giants Arsenal.

Apparently, there may be announcement that the 25-year-old has signed a new deal at some point this week, as only minor issues are preventing the talks from reaching a conclusion.

It is claimed that the Gunners, who recently completed the signing of Belgium international centre-back Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax for £10 million, have a limited transfer budget of £20m for the close-season.

Manager Arsene Wenger is said to have made ensuring that the Netherlands international's future is sorted out his priority, even if it means the transfer kitty is further reduced as funds for doing so are taken from the budget.

The news that the 6ft striker is ready to commit himself to the north London club will come as a huge relief to the fans and the club, as he has recently been linked with moves to Manchester United and Inter.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken out in praise of Gunners centre-forward Nicklas Bendtner, a man who seems to provoke negative emotions amongst a significant section of the Emirates support.

His boss feels, however, that many of the player's critics do not appreciate his talent though, and also they perhaps forget that he is still very young.

"Nicklas has made big improvements since the start of [last] season. He has become an important player for this club," Wenger told the July edition of the official Arsenal magazine.

"When Nicklas is really switched on and focused, he is a handful for any defence in the world. He has shown that in the second part of the season. People forget how young he is, but I am sure he has won many people over in the second half of the season."

Despite the criticism, Bendtner still managed to net 15 goals in 50 games last campaign, and was linked with a move to Roma in the last few days - rumours rubbished by the player's father.

Wenger feels that, along with the Dane, his entire side is maturing, and will be much better prepared for the challenges of next season.
"We have done well since November in every competition last season. We just missed that final step, but I believe the team are getting that now as it becomes more mature," he explained.

"The team has matured tactically a lot over the season, and they are ready to challenge on all fronts next season."

Arsenal could be lining up a bid for Udinese player Gokhan Inler, as manager Arsene Wenger looks to add a touch more physicality to the centre of what has been regarded as something of a powder puff midfield in recent seasons.

The Swiss international, of Turkish descent, is on the Gunners' transfer radar this summer, according to reports in both The Daily Mirror and The Guardian.

Wenger has already signed Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen from Dutch outfit Ajax, and now looks set to reinforce his central midfield, which has lacked a really commanding presence since the departure of Patrick Viera.

However, the French tactician acknowlegded that identifying targets is somewhat easier than actually buying them, when he told The Mirror, "I want to add to the squad and I have identified one or two targets. But identifying players and buying them are two different things.

"Ideally I would like to bring everybody in before we start back in pre-season training in July. I don't want to leave it until the end of August

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he would fancy aplaying for Milan if his career ever took him to Italy.

This could sound like good news for the Rossoneri, who might end up losing veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo to Chelsea if the latest transfer rumours are to be believed.

"If I had to come to Italy, Milan would be the team I would like to play with," declared the Spanish player to RAI. "You never know."

Two of his good friends and former Arsenal team-mates, Mathieu Flamini and Philippe Senderos, are already at the San Siro, though Senderos is only on loan to Milan from the Gunners.

Cesc's comments might not pave the way for his arrival in Milan, but are surely a positive sign for the club who have so far only received bad news from their negotiations with Porto's full-back Aly Cissokho and Wolfsburg's striker Edin Dzeko.

The 22-year-old player has been at Arsenal since 2003, and has made 231 competitive first team appearances for the club, scoring 29 goals. In the process he has earned the plaudits of opponents and critics alike for his excellent displays.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has moved to clear up accusations that he is averse to spending big money on transfer recruits.

With the Gunners failing to attain any silverware for four years, the French tactician has come in for heavy criticism due to the team's lack of experienced players.

The north London club have tended to concentrate on promoting highly-regarded youngsters into the first-team in recent seasons, although they have also acquired the likes of Samir Nasri and Andrei Arshavin.

They have not competed with their Premier League rivals in the transfer market, but Wenger insists it is not because he is reluctant to do so.

"I'm fed up with people who think I have £100 million in the bank yet don't want to spend it," Wenger told Arsenal's official magazine.

"How can people think that?

"The pride of the club is having moved to a new stadium while maintaining the team at the top level."

The Gunners boss is also confident that with a little investment, the current crop have the potential to achieve success.

"We cannot pump £100m into it, so we must keep faith in what we are doing as I believe this team does a lot of things right," Wenger added.

"It does not need to be transformed. When you go on a long unbeaten run in the league and reach two semi-finals as we did last season, common sense tells you that.

"The future looks bright. But I want to add to the squad and I have identified one or two targets. However identifying players and buying them are two different things."

Wenger is wary that the spending power of clubs such as Manchester City will pose a serious threat to the so-called 'Big Four'.

"You can expect them to spend a lot of money so they will be going for it too," Wenger responded when asked whether City might achieve a Champions League qualification position next season.

"There is no guarantee the top four will remain the same."

The representative of Togolose targetman Emmanuel Adebayor, Stephen Courbis, has today revealed that even though Chelsea are yet to make an official approach for the maligned Arsenal forward, Carlo Ancelotti is a known admirer of the 25-year-old as he tried to sign him for AC Milan during his spell at the Italian giants.

"As of today, I have not even got evidence to speak of presumed interest from Chelsea and Manchester United," he is quoted by British tabloid The Sun, as saying.

"It's a given fact that Carlo Ancelotti likes the player seeing that last year he tried to sign him for Milan, although Chelsea have not contacted us.

"Another team has contacted us, but I cannot say anything, it's a very important team," he coyly revealed.

Corbis, though, was keen to stress that club boss Arsene Wenger was not forcing Manu's exit, remarking, "Ade is [not] for sale to resolve Arsenal's economic problems. I spoke with Arsene Wenger this morning and he told me nothing of the kind."

Furthermore, Courbis had alternative words for Italian media, seeming incensed with the latest reports claiming he will leave Arsenal for Italy, and feeling compelled to rubbish them once more.

"I have been receiving phone-calls from Italian journalists all morning. What I can say is that I am unaware of this proposal," Courbis told Tuttomercatoweb.com.

"If you want to know more then you should ask Arsenal as I don't know anything.

"Is there something? I have never said Adebayor would be moving to Italy, and the player is well in London."

According to a report in the British tabloid The Sun, Ajax have failed in an attempt to sign Nicklas Bendtner from Arsenal.

Apparently, the Godenzonen wanted to take 21-year-old to the Amsterdam ArenA as part of the transfer which eventually saw Thomas Vermaelen move to the Emirates Stadium for €12 million (£10.1m).

However, it seems that although the 6ft 5in striker has not been able to hold down a regular berth in the Gunners' starting eleven, he is highly regarded by manager Arsene Wenger who is said to have told Ajax "no deal."

The 26-time capped Denmark international, who has scored eight goals for his country, has been linked with Roma recently.

However, his father has moved to deny reports that he will join the Giallorossi, and Wenger has tipped him to become an integral member of Arsenal's first-team.

Bendtner has scored 24 goals in 90 appearances for the north London-based outfit to date.

According to a report in the local daily The Birmingham Mail, Premier League newcomers Birmingham City are considering making an approach to Arsenal for Armand Traore.

Apparently, the Blues want the 19-year-old to join them on a season-long loan for the 2009/10 campaign with a view to filling the left-back spot.

The France Under-21 international was loaned out to Portsmouth last season where he scored one goal in 28 first-team appearances.

Gael Clichy is currently the first-choice left-back at the Emirates Stadium, but it is unknown whether Gunners manager Arsene Wenger will be willing to loan out Traore, as it has been speculated that Kieran Gibbs may be allowed to leave to play on a regular basis.

Birmingham currently have David Murphy and Franck Queudreu who can operate in that role, but the former is doubtful to be fit in time for the start of the season, and the latter is said to be out-of-favour with manager Alec McLeish.

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas was once again linked with a move to Spain this morning, with the midfielder, still reeling from his country's 2-0 Confederations Cup defeat to the United States in South Africa last night, hinting that his Catalan family would understand if he was to join Real Madrid.

However, he has now moved to refute the suggestions he'd like to leave north London, asserting that, once again, his words have been misinterpreted when translated into English.

"I’m not sure how many times I need to talk directly about my commitment to Arsenal as I continue to say the same thing over and over again," he told the Gunners' official website.

"But it appears that every time I have spoken to the Spanish media recently, my words have bounced back to England, leaving question marks about my future.

"So, for anyone who is unclear or may have misunderstood what my position is, let me make myself absolutely crystal clear. I am wholeheartedly committed to Arsenal and my future lies with this great club."

The midfielder had described Arsenal as "impotent", and had expressed frustration that the Londoners had not managed to win a trophy since 2005. That frustration though springs from a deep well of hurt at the fact that no silverware has arrived at the Emirates for what is perceived as such a long time.

"It is a fact that we have not won a trophy for four years and yes, I am angry about that, but that anger stems from the deep deep desire I have to win things with Arsenal," he added.

"I care about this club and believe in this team. I am proud to captain this team and proud to wear the shirt. It really upsets me when people express my thoughts otherwise.

"The spirit in this squad is fantastic and we have the ability and mentality to compete on all fronts for silverware. Make no mistake, we are focussed and determined to show that we are capable of achieving great things together."

Nigel Winterburn, the former Arsenal left-back who was such a stalwart at the club during his playing days, claims that although Cesc Fabregas has once again affirmed that he will not be leaving the Emirates Stadium, the time has come for the Gunners to claim some trophies in order to keep the skipper, and his team-mates, happy.

Fabregas was yet again linked with a return to Spain today, after the English media took some quotes of his from the Spanish press claiming that the player's Barcelona-supporting family would understand if he decided to move to Real Madrid.

He refuted the idea that he was planning a switch to La Liga, but Winterburn feels that there is an anxiety at the north London outfit about winning some silverware soon.

"He [Fabregas] is voicing concern, maybe frustration," Winterburn told Sky Sports News. "But he's also saying 'I'm not going to force my way out of the football club if I am very, very unhappy about my position, then I will speak to the manager and maybe a decision will be made'.

"Arsenal have had a few barren seasons in terms of not winning trophies, but they've been so close on a number of occasions. But for the supporters and the players, being close isn't good enough.

"You've got to win something. And Arsenal just need to win something just to keep the players happy."

There are escalating sneers from supporters of Arsenal's opposing teams that claim Arsene Wenger cannot be trusted when it comes to acquiring defensive recruits, and the signature of little known Ajax stopper Thomas Vermaelen has done little to quell such notions.

The name Igors Stepanovs will forever be embedded into the memory of Gunners fans as his woeful showing during a 6-1 loss against Manchester United was testament to his label as one of the worst signings during the French boss' occupancy in N5.

From the successful north London outfit, Stepanovs transferred for free to Grasshopper Zurich. After failing to hold down a regular starting place, though, he left for Latvian side FK Jurmala, but was again in need of re-establishing his career so joined FC Esbjerg in Denmark. After a stint with Russian outfit Shinnik Yaroslav, where he hardly received a game, Stepanovs found himself without a club at the age of 32.

Not all of Wenger's centre-backs have led such underwhelming careers. Perhaps his greatest coup due to it's sheer audacity was the free transfer of Sol Campbell from bitter neighbourhood rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

As a commanding centre-back he is perhaps what Arsenal crave now. The 34-year-old helped his side to a brace of Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his stay at the Gunners' former Highbury home. Since he left, he has enjoyed more success than he would have claimed had he stayed, claiming a further FA Cup with current club Portsmouth.

How then, will Vermaelen fare?

When considering a candidate worthy of transfer, Wenger does not just include talent, but also their personality, and what they like to do during their time off. Theo Walcott, for instance, is highly unlikely to be seen storming out of Ilford's infamous nightclub punch-drunk as he likes quiet nights in with a Scrabble box. Such likeable professional traits may have been what attracted the Alsacian to Vermaelen, as Tommy Vaneldik of Goal.com's Netherlands site claims that the defender has a modest mindset.

Furthermore, his ability to cover Gael Clichy, as well as filling in at centre-back, could have proved tempting, but Vaneldik also warned, "He is not the man that will send guys like William Gallas and Kolo Toure to the bench."

Defenders of Vermaelen's purchase point to his capacity to lead; he was Ajax's captain after all. Such a fact, though, is misleading, as he was far from first choice. In fact, he was the fourth in line - Klaas-Jan Huntelaar wore the armband prior to his Real Madrid switch, before handing it to goal guardian Maarten Stekelenburg.

Arsenal's rearguard conceded too many times last season for a side who want to stake a claim to contend with Manchester United for next season's Premier League crown, so various departments in their defence needed to be addressed. It is perhaps telling that the club's strongest player in the air from their first-choice rearguard is arguably right-back Bacary Sagna, so any recruit looking to break into Wenger's starting XI will need to possess aerial strength.

The club's high line policy was often singled out for criticism as the defence was deemed to come unstuck when up against pacey forwards who beat the last man as high up as the half-way mark - such fruit was found by Robbie Keane during his playing days at Liverpool. However, Arsenal seldomly conceded directly from this tactic, as their pacey centre-backs were often able to track back. A Wenger defender would therefore require pace and acceleration.


The Premier League is, of course, a physical league. All the recent title champions have bragged footballers who look, and often do, handle themselves well on the pitch. Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, for instance, could have been sturdy amateur boxers. Nemanja Vidic's strength should be undoubted. Even Cristiano Ronaldo, who arrived in England looking lean, will leave having bulked up considerably. Chelsea, meanwhile, have had a solid backbone of John Terry, Michael Essien, and Didier Drogba, while Frank Lampard - despite being mocked unfairly - has proven to be one of the fittest players to have competed in England's top flight. If Arsenal are to challenge, then physical players perhaps need to be targeted.

How then, does Vermaelen shape up when considering the three aforementioned characteristics: aerial ability; pace; and physicality?

Vaneldik warned, "Vermaelen's acceleration and pace don't stand out, so quick strikers are able to beat him. For the Eredivisie he was quite a strong player physically, but one has to keep in mind that there's a giant gap between the Dutch and English League, also when it comes to physical abilities.

"He is quite strong in the air and is also a good man-marker."

Arsenal require a player who can slot into first-team duty with the ease that Andrey Arshavin displayed during the genesis of his red and white career.

Ajax won a title in 2004 yet Vermaelen only played one game. The following season he missed out on Champions League football because he was farmed out on loan to RKC Waalwijk after the winter break. He has international caps with Belgium, but De Rode Duivels have no tournament experience since the 2002 World Cup, bar the Olympics in 2008, of course.

Like a number of Wenger signings, Vermaelen is perhaps a gamble, but with reports that he has little money to spend this summer then it is a gamble that the club's domestic and European competitiveness could end up hinging on.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie had admitted he wants to become the best player in the world and help the club end their barren run of silverware.

The Dutchman’s future at the Emirates has been the subject of much debate; however, speaking to the News of the World, he insisted he was only in talks with the Gunners.

"I'm not in negotiations with any other club - just Arsenal,” explained the striker.

“I want to become the best player in the world. My career will only be a success when I consider myself the best. Anything less won't do.”

The Dutch international also insisted that the Gunners were quite capable of winning trophies next season and that anything was possible for Arsene Wenger’s side.

“Nothing is impossible. No one would have said a few years ago that a black man could be US President,” said Van Persie.

"No one thinks that Arsenal, with our budget, can win trophies.”

The Arsenal forward also admitted that he was desperate to improve and wanted to become the best footballer on the planet.

“I want to become the best player in the world,” he said.

“If our team had won the Champions League, the Premier League or the FA Cup maybe I'd have been a candidate for such an award. Only then could I say I'd reached the top - and that's not the case yet.”

Yet he also admitted that he was frustrated at the lack of success at the Emirates but insisted Arsenal had the potential to get back to winning ways.

"But I see the potential at Arsenal. We have to do it. One fact which aggravates me is that in the five years I've been at Arsenal, we've won exactly the same number of trophies as I did at Feyenoord - ONE - that's not enough. When I arrived here, Arsenal were winning trophies for fun,” he said.

“But, if everyone is fit, we have a heck of a team and it's up to me to ensure we go out and win these trophies.”

Former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg has admitted that he is concerned about his old club and that the Gunners’ results over the last few years have made him sad.

The former Swedish international, who now plys his trade in the MLS with the Seattle Sounders, has told the Sunday Mirror that their financial situation is a worry.

“The feeling I get is the financial situation is a bit tight - what is the state of the club?” said Ljungberg.

“Nobody's come out and said why they're not spending. Everyone is asking that.

“I get sad just to look at the results in the last few years.”

The 32-year-old enjoyed phenomenal success during his nine years in north London, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.

Indeed, the Swede was part of the 2005 FA Cup winning side, which was the last trophy Arsenal won.

Having now gone four years without any silverware, Ljungberg insisted this was not good enough for a club of Arsenal’s stature.

"When I played there, they always said if you don't win a trophy every year then it was not good enough,” he explained.

“I hope they turn it around.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to change his transfer policy and make an astonishing £40 million bid for Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery, according to Daily Star Sunday.

The Gunners boss has become known in the Premier League as a manager who does not spend big on players, preferring to buy young prospects for the future and develop them at the club.

However, he has already signed Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax for a fee reported to be worth up to £10 million, and it is now thought he will turn his attentions to other areas of the pitch.

The British tabloid has reported that the Frenchman believes he could pull off the transfer deal of the summer by signing the France international.

The former Marseille man has been impressing in his two years at the Allianz Arena, and has been repeatedly linked with moves away from Bavaria in recent months.

Several major European clubs have stated that they are interested in signing him, and the Frenchman may be tempted with a move to the Premier League or Spain's Primera Division.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea have all at some point registered their interest in the winger, and it is thought a bidding war will take place over the summer.

Madrid are aiming to add Ribery to their new Galactico collection, and are prepared to pay over the odds to convince the 26-year-old to move to Santiago Bernabeu.

Wenger has been criticised recently for his transfer policy by present and former players, and it is now thought that he is set to spend big this summer.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has stated that he is happy to play in a more advanced position for the Gunners than he has done in the past.

The young starlet is currently on international duty with England's Under-21 side at the European Championships in Sweden, where the Young Lions have reached the final of the competition for the first time since 1984.

However, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Fraizer Campbell are both suspended for the game against Germany on Monday, meaning Walcott will be starting alone up front, a role he has rarely been asked to play for the Gunners.

His electric pace has meant Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has tended to use him as a winger, rather than a striker, and the 20-year-old has thrived in that role for both club and country.

However, the player himself believes he eventually become a striker for the Gunners anyway.

Speaking to The Guardian, Walcott said, "I probably will end up being a striker. The boss at Arsenal [Arsene Wenger] said I would have probably played a little bit more up front last season, if I'd not got injured, like in FA Cup games and Carling Cup games. But I'll play anywhere, as long as I'm on that pitch."

The switch from the flanks to the central attacking position would mirror the progression of club great Thierry Henry, who started out as a winger for the Gunners and went on to become their all time goalscorer. Walcott feels it is hard to live up to his name, after being handed Henry's old number.

"It doesn't really matter what number is on the back. As long as it's an England shirt, I'm happy," said Walcott.

"I actually wanted the No 8 shirt at Arsenal but they told me Samir Nasri had that. I didn't even know we'd signed him at the time!

"So they told me 14 and I said 'yeah, I'll have that' not realising it was Thierry's number until I got home. It's just a number but he's a great player to live up to. That's the pressure. That's no problem."
Walcott is still only 20-years-old and has already played 63 Premier League games for the Gunners, scoring six goals.