Emmanuel Adebayor is reportedly having last-minute doubts about leaving Arsenal to join Manchester City.

The Togo international was reported to have already passed a medical and received a work permit, but according to The Guardian, he is worried about how the move may be perceived in his native country. Indeed, the newspaper suggests that the medical is fact yet to take place.

Adebayor stands to earn around £150,000 per week at City, and he is wary of being seen as greedy, especially since the Gunners are far more popular in Africa. Apparently, he has asked City to grant him a few days to consult his family and representatives.

Arsenal have already accepted City's £25 million bid, so Adebayor's final decision is all that is required for the move to be made official. The Mancunians are still hopeful that he will join them on their tour of South Africa.

Bordeaux have told Arsenal that their €8million bid for Marouane Chamakh will only be accepted if Mikael Silvestre is thrown in as well.

With Emmanuel Adebayor edging closer to a move to Manchester City, Arsene Wenger is keen to bring Chamakh in as his replacement.

However, according to The Sun, Bordeaux will only sell him if Silvestre is included in the deal. With Arsenal having already signed Thomas Vermaelen, opportunities are set to be limited for Silvestre, but it remains to be seen whether Wenger wants to hold on to him to add depth to the squad.

Chamakh only has one year left on his contract, so Bordeaux are keen to sell him now rather than lose him for nothing after next season.

Arsenal's pursuit of a replacement for seemingly Manchester City-bound striker Emmanuel Adebayor has reached the extent of a formal bid for Girondins de Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, who has admitted that such a switch would be ideal for him.

The transfer fee was rejected by the French club, though, and Chamakh is harbouring hopes that a second bid is tabled so that he may get the chance to realise a "dream".

"If it materialises, I will accept. Arsenal, it would be a dream," Chamakh is reported to have told The Daily Mail.

According to various media reports in recent days, the Gunners have already had a €8 million (£6.9m) fee turned down for the Moroccan forward.

There have been increasing suggestions that Stuttgart target Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is proving a temptation, and at €20m (£17m), Wenger would still have more than €9m change from the Adebayor sale, which could finance a defensive midfield recruit.

The Daily Mail has also linked Arsenal with a move for Hoffenheim forward Demba Ba.

Arsenal have today snapped up youthful prospect Jamie Edge from Cheltenham Town. A fee has been agreed between the clubs for the 15-year-old, who can play either in midfield or defence.

Edge has passed a medical with the Gunners and will complete the move this week, according to Town's official website.

Cheltenham Town Head of Youth, Ken Oram, was pleased that the prospect was now getting the opportunity to foster his development at a club like Arsenal.

"We are delighted that Jamie Edge has accepted the offer of joining Arsenal, which is a fantastic opportunity for him to take his development to the next level," he told the Robins' official website.

"He has worked very hard with us and fully deserves the chance of being able to maximise the potential he has shown. Arsenal will make him a better player given the infrastructure and coaching environment they have there.

"Jamie will further his career at a club steeped in a tradition of nurturing young players whilst Cheltenham Town will benefit significantly from the transfer - both from the satisfaction that our development scheme has produced a player capable of reaching that standard and from the level of compensation the club will receive."

Edge joined Cheltenham as a nine-year-old, and has played regularly for the club's Under-18's, and has even featured for the reserve side, despite not yet being 16.

Arsenal's dynamic forward Andrey Arshavin has asserted that Emmanuel Adebayor, expected to sign for Manchester City very shortly, must make his own mind up as to whether or nor to leave the Gunners.

The Togolese passed a medical and had a work permit granted yesterday, according to reports, but was also this morning apparently having second thoughts, as he worried that the move might be percieved as greedy back in his homeland.

Whether or not the striker moves is very much down to him, though, Adebayor's Russian team-mate has affirmed.

"Of course, I think it's a very difficult question for Arsenal and for Adebayor as well," he told Sky Sports News.

"He is an excellent striker. Everybody knows him. He can score from nothing. But it's his decision. If he wants to stay or he wants to leave."

As for whether the Gunners have enough remaining firepower should Adebayor decide to go, Arshavin preferred to leave the assessment to his manager, Arsene Wenger, in whose footballing judgement he has complete faith.

"I think it's not my question," he replied, when asked about the Gunners striking options, should his team-mate depart.

"We have Arsene. He knows everything. He knows that if we need someone Arsenal will buy."

According to reports in today’s edition of Rome-based daily Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is poised to launch a fresh bid for Lazio hitman Goran Pandev.

The 25-year-old’s current deal with the Eternal City club runs out next year and he has refused the terms of an extension, handing in a transfer request.

Lazio chief Claudio Lotito has made his peace with the player’s decision but has slapped a hefty €19 million price tag on his head, scaring off most of his suitors.

Offers from Napoli and Russian outfit Zenit St. Petersburg have reportedly been rejected in recent weeks, but it is now suggested Premier League giants Arsenal are ready to step in.

The London side are set to part with Togolese international forward Emmanuel Adebayor, who is expected to join Manchester City, and Wenger could reignite his interest in the former Inter man.

Pandev has reportedly been on the French tactician’s radar since 2006, and press reports suggested last month Arsenal were prepared to lodge a formal bid for his services.

However, Lotito yesterday insisted that no offers have come in for the striker so far.

Crocked Czech Republic attacker Tomas Rosicky has been slowly nursed back to full fitness following a host of complex hamstring aggravations, and Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has admitted he is relishing seeing the midfielder back in action in the red-and-white strip of the north London clique.

Rosicky has not featured for the Gunners since January 2008, and is expected to mark his comeback during Autumn, and Fabregas believes this will only benefit the club as he believes Rosicky to be a consummate professional, and one of the most techically-blessed footballers in the game.

"I have spent a lot of time with him and I know how he feels," Fabregas explained to the club's official website.

"I know what he wants and I have never seen a guy being so committed, so professional and never giving up. If this happened to me I probably wouldn't want to talk to anyone, I would be always down and angry. But he's unbelievable and when we see that he will be back next season, he will be strong and hopefully he can help us improve a lot.

"He's the type of player you enjoy playing alongside and as a guy he's amazing. He didn't deserve his injury but I am sure he will come back stronger. I wish him all the best because everyone here at Arsenal loves him a lot."

He continued, "I feel sorry for him but I don't need to say that to him, he's my best friend in the team and one of my best friends in football and my life.

"He can bring many, many things to the team. He's a guy with a lot of experience, he has won things, he knows how to compete, he's very humble and he works for the team.

"Technically he is one of the best in the world and physically I am sure he will be really strong because he's been working really hard. I am happy because soon he is going to be back and I can't wait to see him playing again."

Arsenal enjoyed some of their best free-flowing and one-touch football when Rosicky and Fabregas were playing together, along with AC Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini, and Barcelona outcast Aliaksandr Hleb.

If Arsenal are to challenge for domestic honours then they need to learn from the mistakes of past campaigns and hone in on their skills to win when they are off form, do the ugly stuff well and grind out results, according to blossoming England forward Theo Walcott.

"I think we need to do the dirty things right," he explained to the club's official website. "Sometimes it's not just about pretty football, we need to grind out the results sometimes and get the win, get the three points.

"In cup competitions no one remembers the game, as long as the result is right. We need to take that into our game. Manchester United and Chelsea do the dirty work and they take their chances as well, that's another thing we need to learn and improve on.

"We had a great experience of getting to semi-finals last season but not quite getting to finals. Hopefully we can put that right."

Walcott also went on to add that the next season could be one where Arsenal fans begin to see him in a more elevated and central position, as opposed to flying-high on the right flank.

"The boss said hopefully he will start to put me up front now and then. That's my natural position but I'd play anywhere for this team," he said.

"I want to improve my final ball and score more goals. You get judged on goals so I want to score 15-plus this season. That would be nice. I love making runs in behind, I love scoring goals and making goals. That's what I'll be judged on and I'm looking forward to that."

Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has shot an early warning to his team-mates, a good start is vital for the Gunners.

"It is crucial for everyone to get off to a good start," he told the Gunners' official website.

"In the beginning of last season no one team was strong enough to get a big advantage in points. But we will have to start well this season if we want to win the League."

Arsenal lost five of their first 14 league games last season and the deficit to the title challengers proved too big to claw back. Almunia does not want that to happen this season.

"A good start gives you confidence, stability, points and a nice cushion for the rest of the season," he added.

The Gunners will face a Champions League qualifier to confirm their European status in a draw that will, for the first time, feature no seeded teams. Potentially leaving the North London club with a tricky start to their season.

However, the Spanish stopper doesn't see this as an excuse for a poor start in the Premier League, continuing, "We have been playing a Champions League qualifying game for the last few seasons so it is nothing new for us. We will have our mind on it and we have to be prepared for it."

Almunia believes the return of Tomas Rosicky from long term injury and wing wozard Andrey Arshavin, who will begin his first full season, can have a real impact at the club. Arshavin will be eligible for European competition this season, after being ruled out last season due to his participation with former club Zenit St. Petersburg.

"They are going to help us, Arshavin has already helped us in the League but now he can help us in the Champions League because he is a great player," the Spaniard explained.

"He [Tomas Rosicky] has experience; in and out of the dressing room he is a senior player. When he comes back, when he is on the pitch, he will take responsibility to lift the team up."

Arsenal are to offer fellow London club Fulham a player-plus-cash swap deal in order to snare towering centre-back Brede Hangeland away from Craven Cottage, according to The Daily Star, who claim that Philippe Senderos is the defender deemed disposable by the north London management.

The Gunners have added just one recruit during the transfer window, Thomas Vermaelen, one of Ajax's many captains from the past season and a player described by Goal.com's Netherlands branch as a strong man-marker who can dominate aerial balls. However, their defensive spending could be set to continue.

According to the report, Arsene Wenger is readying a £10 million bid for Hangeland plus Swiss international Senderos, who spent last season on loan at Serie A giants Milan.

Arsenal could have an extra £25m to play with should Togolese frontman Emmanuel Adebayor's lucrative Manchester City switch be completed. The 25-year-old is reported by Sky Sports News to have been present at the Gunners' training camp this morning, where he was believed to be saying his farewells to his team-mates.

Two of the more popular press-linked players to be sounded out as replacements for the former Monaco striker, who helped guide the Ligue 1 side to a Champions League final in 2004, are Girondins de Bordeaux hotshot Marouane Chamakh and Real Madrid's out-of-favour Dutchman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Demba Ba was already the centre of one of Germany's most talked about transfer negotiations of the summer, but the Parisian-born Senegalese international may not be finished making headlines just yet.

With Emmanuel Adebayor seemingly leaving for Manchester City, it is reported in the Daily Mail and Le Parisien that Arsene Wenger is looking for Senegalese striker Demba Ba to replace him.

The 24-year-old scored 14 goals this season in the Bundesliga and declared at the beginning of the week that he wanted to continue the experience with the Bundesliga newbies.

Arsenal, on the other hand, with a long experience of grooming French-born players and Ligue 1 alums into global superstars, may have found their newest bet. Arsene Wenger is said to be particularly impressed with Ba's potential.

The player, who was declaring his will to come back to France, and more precisely to Paris, has not yet reacted, but his agent already declared that it would be an honour for him to play for such a great coach and that this type of offer had to be closely examined.

Tomas Rosicky has been included in the 21-man Arsenal squad for Saturday's pre-season friendly against Barnet.

The Czech Republic international midfielder has been sidelined by a complicated hamstring injury since January 2008, so his inclusion in the squad announced on Friday evening by the Gunners on their official website represents a significant step towards his return to first team action.

It remains to be seen whether he will actually get on to the pitch at Underhill, but the omens are good: in this annual curtain-raiser between Arsenal and the club whose pitch their reserves use for home games, most of the squad named by Arsene Wenger normally feature.

Tomorrow's squad is a mixture of youngsters and more experienced players, but excludes those players who were on international duty earlier in the summer.

Another notable inclusion is new-signing Thomas Vermaelen, who joined from Ajax last month.

The full squad to face Barnet is as follows:

Manuel Almunia
Vito Mannone
William Gallas
Johan Djourou
Mikael Silvestre
Thomas Vermaelen
Tomas Rosicky
Andrey Arshavin
Jack Wilshere
Thomas Cruise
Craig Eastmond
Luke Ayling
Conor Henderson
Francis Coquelin
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Mark Randall
Emmanuel Frimpong
Gilles Sunu
Sanchez Watt
Jay Simpson
Nacer Barazite

Manchester City are reportedly furious with Emmanuel Adebayor after the Arsenal striker allegedly tried to engineer
a move to Chelsea.

In a development that may not surprise Arsenal fans - but may frustrate those who had been looking forward to his exit from the Emirates - the Togolese international may have sabotaged his proposed big-money move to Eastlands.

According to The Daily Mail, Adebayor's advisers tried to line up a move to Chelsea on Friday night. They had, according to the paper, also offered the player to City's rivals Manchester United when talks with the Eastlands outfit over personal terms of £170,000 a week seemed to be stalling.

However, later in the week, Adebayor had appeared ready to agree a move to City and go to Manchester for a medical.

Now City officials are annoyed to have learned that Adebayor has also been offered to Chelsea.

Apparently he even met Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to discuss the possibility of remaining at the Emirates for another season - but the French tactician has made it clear he does not want him back. Arsenal would like to honour the deal they have agreed with City.

The Mail claims that City will not pull the plug on the deal just yet, and will hold further talks over the weekend to salvage the transfer.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that the club’s fans are to blame for striker Emmanuel Adebayor leaving north London.

The Togo international swapped the Emirates for Eastlands yesterday, signing a five-year deal at the club and following Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry to Manchester City.

However, speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Wenger wished the striker well in his future career but blamed a lack of fan support for his exit.

“We have lost a great player and we wish him well,” said the Gunners boss.

“He's done extremely well for the club. I don't believe that last season he got enough support. That was playing a part in my mind and in his mind, certainly, as well.”

The Arsenal boss went on to say he felt the lack of support, which stemmed from last summer’s perceived flirtations with AC Milan and Barcelona, affected Adebayor’s confidence.

“I believe he wanted to do well but he didn't find the confidence he had the season before,” added Wenger.

“There was a little resentment you could feel through last summer.”

Despite having lost the 25-year-old, Wenger insisted the Gunners could cope and would continue to compete for the game’s top prizes.

“Believe me, he's a great player and he'll show that again at Manchester City,” he admitted.

“Big clubs lose big players. Milan have lost Kaka and Milan will go on. Arsenal have always lost players and continued at the top level.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is targeting another African star in the shape of Obafemi Martins, after Emmanuel Adebayor departed for Manchester City, according to The People.

The Togolese forward left to join the revolution at City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday in a deal thought to be worth around £25 million.

It is now thought that the money raised by the Adebayor sale will be used to fund other Arsenal signings.

The Gunners have been linked with a move for Newcastle United striker Martins for the last year, and it was reported that Wenger had made bids for the Nigerian.

However, no such move has yet taken place, but the rumours still circulate.

The latest speculation to hit the headlines is that the Gunners are willing to pay a cut price £7 million for the Nigeria international.

The Magpies were relegated on the final day of last season, and this has led to much speculation about the futures of their top players.

Martins moving would allow a massive deduction from the wage bill at St. James' Park, and the club are reportedly eager to sell him to the Gunners.

However, Wenger has stated that the club have ample resources to cover for Adebayor, and he will not rush into any transfer this summer.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he is not panicking now that Emmanuel Adebayor has left north London to join Manchester City. And he said that he feels that the club have enough high-quality players still at the club for there to be no immediate concerns about how compeitive they will be in the new season.

"We must trust the players we have. It's a very important season for us and I believe we are in a very strong position," he told Sky Sports.

"Big clubs lose big players. AC Milan have lost Kaka but will go on. Arsenal have lost big players before but we go on. We have also had positive messages - players like Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas are staying here.

"I believe we have a strong enough squad to meet the targets we have."

One player expected to begin contributing to the first team again soon, after enduring a demoralising 18 months on the sidelines with a complex series of hamstring and knee injuries, is Czech international Tomas Rosicky, who could return to the side in time for the beginning of the Premier League season on August 15.

Wenger admits that there were times during the player's absence when he feared that he might never play again.

"There was a time when I was worried Tomas wouldn't play football again and he felt the same.

"But he had always led a healthy and dedicated life. Mentally, he's also very strong. Of course, you have to ask and hope if he will ever get back to where we want him to be and the answer looks like yes.

"We have to manage him well and prepare him well. If he comes through pre-season well, he could start the season," said Wenger.

Arsenal begin their league campaign with a trip to Goodison Park to take on Everton.

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, is contemplating a move for Andre-Pierre Gignac as he seeks a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor.

Gignac was the top goalscorer in Ligue 1 last season, netting 24 times for Toulouse.

According to The Daily Mail, the Gunners had scouts present during TFC's friendly against Bordeaux, where they would also have had the chance to assess Marouane Chamakh.

Toulouse have already rejected a €15 million bid from Lyon for Gignac, but it is believed they will accept a fee of around €20m.

Demba Ba and Obafemi Martins have also been linked to Arsenal in recent weeks, but it is thought that Wenger will eventually choose between Gignac and Chamakh.

Former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg believes the Gunners will need to replace striker Emmanuel Adebayor this summer, rather than relying on their existing offensive force.

The Togo international striker has joined the big-money revolution at Manchester City in a transfer reportedly worth around £25 million.

The Swede, now playing in the United States with MLS outfit Seattle Sounders still monitors his old club and believes Adebayor was a great asset to the squad.

"He's a great player so of course it's a loss," Ljungberg told Sky Sports News. "He's important because he is so big, he can hold the ball up.

"If they want to play with crosses, like they have, I think they need to get someone like him, which is hard."

Ljungberg also believes Manchester City will need to improve in areas other than attack in order to dislodge Arsenal and really impose themselves on the top four this season.

He said, "I hope Arsenal will go above fourth place.

"They [City] have bought a lot of strikers, but to have a proper chance they need to buy some midfielders and defenders."

Arsenal's introductory pre-season fixture against neighbouring club Barnet provided Tomas Rosicky with a 45-minute run-out and a return to football following a lay-off that stretched way back to January 2008.

And there were times during that lengthy spell that had Arsene Wenger wondering whether the Czech Republic international would be able to recover fully from the series of complex hamstring complaints.

"There was a time when I was worried Tomas wouldn't play football again and he felt the same," Wenger told the Daily Telegraph.

"But he had always led a healthy and dedicated life. Mentally he's also very strong. Of course you have to ask and hope if he will ever get back to where we want him to be and the answer looks like 'yes'."
Wenger also commented on the player's willingness to go into 50/50 challenges unhesitatingly, which were an indication of Rosicky's confidence that he had fully recovered.

"At some stage he was even a bit too confident to go into dangerous tackles. We have to manage him well and prepare him well. If he comes through pre-season well he could start the season."

On the club's solitary summer signing, Thomas Vermaelen, Wenger added, "Vermaelen had a good start [against Barnet] and I think he had a good welcome to English football because he got some good challenges here. I think it was a good start for him overall.

"He is strong, solid, calm and when he became more confident in the second half you could see that he passes the ball well. He should be a good addition to the squad, yes."

Arsenal are set to bid for Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as the seek reinforcements in the front line following Emmanuel Adebayor's departure to Manchester City, according to the Metro.

Real Madrid will be looking to recoup the £20 million they paid for the Dutch international in January and Huntelaar is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League.

Stuttgart are also closely monitoring the player as there seems little room for Huntelaar among the Galacticos in the Spanish capital, and Arsenal will have to act fast to seal the deal.

So far, the Gunners have added just centre-half Thomas Vermaelen during the transfer window and the fans are desperate for more signings after four years without a trophy.

Arsenal's average age continues to increase as the club's youngsters grow, and Manuel Almunia believes this will reflect in their play next season. The uncapped Spaniard, 32, feels the Gunners will show more "maturity".

Experience and leadership could also be vital, which makes Czech Republic captain Tomas Rosicky's return - he played 45 minutes against Barnet on Saturday - all the more exciting for fans of the N5 side. Andrey Arshavin will also provide Arsenal with multi-dimensional benefits.

Almunia told the club's official website, "We have a few lessons to learn from last season but I think that the more mature we are, the more responsible we are too.

"I hope this season every player is responsible with their attitude and in all circumstances. I hope we will be very professional not just in the games but every day as well.

"There is a hunger in the squad. The good intentions are always in our mind and personally I will try to do my best for the team. Sometimes other teams are better than you and this season we will try to be better than them. I think every single player has to realise what club we are playing for.

"At the moment I have the same feelings I have every season. We are working hard at the beginning, enjoying seeing everybody after their holidays
and putting every effort to building up the team.

"I think the squad is good enough. We will have to wait until a few games into pre-season to find out - the Emirates Cup will be a good test for us," he concluded.

Arsenal compete in the annual home tournament along with Atletico Madrid, Rangers and Paris Saint-Germain, who placed second in the 2007 trophy.

Arsenal's younger stars remain hot property for would-be suitors in the lower leagues as multiple managers attempt to lure Arsene Wenger's young guns on one-year loan deals. One such coach is Derby County boss Nigel Clough, who is keen on Milton Keynes-born midfielder Mark Randall.

“We are just waiting for confirmation from Arsenal that he can come on the trip,” Clough is quoted by ThisIsDerbyshire.co.uk.

“Hopefully, he can meet up with us on Tuesday. If he does, he will play in two of the three games, probably Tuesday and Saturday, with a view to a loan – maybe to January or for the whole season.”

Mark Randall's competition for the shielding role is limited at Arsenal as the club lack a recognised anchor, but his League Cup performances in past seasons perhaps suggest that he has not developed in the fashion expected of an Arsenal graduate.

His decision making was substandard last season. Instead of playing the right pass, he'd try an audacious one. He went for the fancy instead of the simple, and gave the ball away with too much regularity.

His midfield team-mate in the reserves, Aaron Ramsey, has been offered more Premier League chances in the first team than Randall, and Ramsey is two years younger, suggesting that a loan move is in order to achieve regular first-team football, which could benefit the 19-year-old.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has acknowledged that Girondins de Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh is a player in whom the north Londoners are taking a keen interest, after intense specualtion over recent weeks has repeatedly linked the 25-year-old with a move to the Emirates.

“We keep an eye on him. He is one of the players that we will follow and if we went for a striker then he would be one of the possibilities," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

Meanwhile, the Frenchman was also keen to stress that his club were in no hurry to spend the reported £25 million or so that they have received for striker Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City, and reiterated his view that there are plenty of fine attacking players still at the club.

"I will be able to spend that money. [I will do it] if we are able to find the right players and if we feel it is needed. We are not in a hurry right now.

“We have internal players lined up. Look at the offensive players that we have – [Robin] van Persie, [Andrey] Arshavin, Eduardo [Da Silva], [Tomas] Rosicky, [Theo] Walcott, [Nicklas] Bendtner.

"We just want to prepare [for] the season well now. We had 14 players missing for the Barnet game so we will see where we need an addition.

"We are not in a hurry but if we need to add something anywhere then we will."

Tomas Rosicky is keen to repay Arsenal's faith in him, as he prepares for a return after an 18-month absence through injury.

Rosicky is finally back in full training, having suffered from chronic knee and hamstring problems.

Speaking to The Sun, the midfielder declared that he wanted to reward the Gunners for their support, saying, "I want to give the club back a substantial amount of what they have invested in me in the past.

"I haven't lost my touch with the ball. The same goes for stamina and one-on-one situations.

"Everything won't be 100 per cent straight away. But I believe my form will return in time."

Rosicky did not make a single appearance last season, having only managed 24 in the previous campaign.

Reports are emerging from France, and have been confirmed by the clubs official website, that Samir Nasri has fractured his fibula in pre-season training and will be out of action for three months.

This comes as a blow to the Gunners as the French international had cemented himself as a key player for Arsenal, and will miss the opening months of the Premier League campaign.

The 22 year-old was reportedly crying in pain as he was taken to a nearby hospital in the Hartberg region of Austria by two of the club's medical staff.

Arsenal are due to face Austrian side SC Columbia Floridsdorf this evening in their second warm up game of the week.

Arsenal's quest to remain a competitive outfit in the Premier League's top four could be made more laborious as they will be unable to fund any further incomings unless they continue to sell, so opines Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has stated that Arsene Wenger "doesn't have any money" to spend.

Ferguson explained to The Telegraph, "Arsenal have got the biggest test to be where they want to be.

"I know that Arsene doesn't have any money. I think that selling [Emmanuel] Adebayor... well, whether he can use that money is another question.

"There seems to be evidence that he can't use the money. I don't know. I think they're struggling cash-wise. It's a big test for Arsenal."
Such a notion is given more credence when one examines the nature of the Frenchman's transfer policy thus far. Wenger bought Ajax captain Thomas Vermaelen but has sold key striker Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City for £25 million.

Prior to the opening of the summer window, Wenger affirmed that the team would need two or three experienced recruits, but he has since intimated that the current crop are strong enough.

"The message is to trust the players that we have," he explained to the club's official website. "This is a very big season for us but I believe that we are in a very strong position.

"I feel we have a big enough squad to deal with the targets that we have."

Nicklas Bendtner, Aaron Ramsey and Robin van Persie all bagged braces today as Arsenal continued their pre-season preparations with an easy victory over Austrian amateur side SC Columbia, who had no professionals in their line-up.

The Gunners won 7-1, and had actually gone behind in the 36th minute, when goalkeeper Manuel Almunia dithered over a clearance following a Mikael Silvestre back pass, and Partick Lehner slid in at his feet to score from six yards out.

However, the lead lasted for only 45 seconds, as Abou Diaby won the ball on the by-line and squared it for Bendtner to net his first of the evening. Five minutes later Ramsey had put Arsenal into the lead with a 20-yard strike, and the Welshman combined with Bendtner again a minute before the interval to create a straightforward chance which the Dane converted.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger experimented in his line-up, with Phillipe Senderos appearing in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role, but it did not stop his side from adding to their lead in a game that only got easier despite a raft of substitutions.

Van Persie grabbed his first on 56 minutes, converting a penalty after an Armand Traore cross had been handled, and his second followed on 73 minutes when he powered a header into the net following a well-judged cross from Bacary Sagna.

Two more goals followed from set-pieces, with William Gallas netting from six yards after Senderos had headed a van Persie free-kick back into the middle, and Ramsey completed the rout with a drive from 12 yards, after Denilson's corner was only half cleared.

A record attendance of 6,900 at the Schwarzlackenau Stadium enjoyed the game, with the scoreline failing to dampen the enthusiasm of a lively crowd boosted by the presence of a small but vocal Arsenal contingent.

SC Columbia: Gerhard Taschwer, Mario Handl, Michael Urban, Dominique Lehner, Thomas Pollack, Roman Horvath, Alexander Frimmel, Thomas Potlatnik, Roman Flandorfer, Julius Simon, Patrick Lehner

Arsenal:Manuel Almunia, Emmanuel Eboue, Mikael Silvestre, Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou, Jack Wilshere, Denilson, Abou Diaby, Aaron Ramsey, Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner

Second half subs: William Gallas, Kolo Toure Bacary Sagna, Philippe Senderos, Alex Song, Armand Traore, Robin Van Persie, Wojciech Szczesny

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has gone directly to Arsenal to offer Roman Pavlyuchenko, who has purchased a house near London following his £13.8 million move from Spartak Moscow last summer. The Russian international is out of favour at White Hart Lane and may seek a switch to the Emirates.

Pavlyuchenko has been linked with several clubs over the past few weeks, including Stuttgart, Villarreal and Besiktas. The 27-year-old striker may favour a move across north London, where Arsene Wenger is short on attacking options after the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City earlier this week.

Wenger also reportedly remains interested in Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh, Hoffenheim's Demba Ba and Newcastle United's Obafemi Martins, while Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac has emerged as a prime target.

Redknapp continues to search for firepower with the rumoured departure of fellow Spurs forward Darren Bent, and is reportedly keen to hijack Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's mooted move from Real Madrid to Stuttgart. Bayern Munich's 32-year-old Luca Toni is also thought to be on Redknapp's radar.

While Russian tabloid Tvoi Den claims Spurs boss Redknapp has directly approached Wenger for the striker, Roma are reportedly also monitoring Pavlyuchenko's situation. The player's representative, Viktor Kolar, has said, "I don't know anything. By reading the papers I learned that the club [Roma] would make a move for the player, but with regards to myself no one has made me aware of anything.

"I don't have any idea how they can write that Roman will be at Roma. I spoke to the management and I know that next year he will be part of a serious project.

"He still has many years on his contract and he intends to prove also in England how much he is worth."

Arsene Wenger has come in for increasing criticism in recent times, but Martin Keown is confident that he can lead Arsenal to success.

The Londoners have been typically underwhelming in the transfer market this summer, but Keown still has faith in the French manager.

Speaking at the BT Football Foundation Communicating for Success programme, he said, "[Manchester] City, [Manchester] United, Liverpool and Chelsea all shop in Harrods, while Arsenal have to look elsewhere.

"It can be frustrating, but everybody trusts Wenger. It was inevitable that [Emmanuel] Adebayor was going to leave, but Arsenal still have a very good side and have a lot of players that other clubs would love to have.

"Last season they just needed a little bit of experience to help guide their young players through the big games."

Sanchez Watt was thrilled to be sharing the pitch with Andrey Arshavin in Arsenal's 2-2 friendly draw with Barnet.

“It was a great experience for me and Arshavin taught me a lot about my positioning. It’s just one of those things that anyone would love to do,” the youngster told Arsenal.com.

“I found out I’d get the chance on the morning of the game. It was a bit shocking but we had been training together for the last couple of weeks, and I had played alongside him in a couple of training matches. I was learning from [Arshavin] then, and I had the chance to show what we had been doing at Barnet.”

The 18-year-old is one of many hot prospects that Arsene Wenger has in store for the future.

Girondins de Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh may have started in the Aquitaine club’s pre-season victory over Olympique de Marseille last night, playing a significant role in the 2-1 win, but he has indicated his continued desire to move to the Premier League, hinting that he will move to Sunderland if Arsenal make no approach for him.

The striker has previously indicated that he is prepared to be patient, and he has again intimated that he is ready to wait until the very last moment of deadline day for the Gunners to swoop. He has, however, seemingly already agreed a contract with the Black Cats that would only need his signature to make it official.

“I am ready to wait until August 31, because nothing is certain with Arsenal, contrary to Sunderland,” he told L’Equipe. “I can also play in the Trophee des Champions [with Bordeaux in Montreal, Canada at the weekend] to please everyone. But Bordeaux want a quick answer, which I cannot give them at this time.

“The most advanced contact is with Sunderland. Though for some it is not a very big club, bring it on. I know this may be a step and it is my wish.”

Les Girondins have made no secret of their desire to maintain their marriage with the 25-year-old striker, who found the net 13 times last season. Chamakh, on the other hand, feels that it is time for a change.

“I'm very well in Bordeaux, but I’ve expressed my wish to go to England to join the Premier League and discover new challenges,” he declared. “Bordeaux made me a more interesting [contract] offer, at the same [wage] level as in England. As we say sometimes, though, I just want to leave.”

It is with a degree of sadness that Chamakh will depart Bordeaux, where he has played his entire career to date, having helped the club to a historic title win last season.

“I have always given everything for the club and I have never cheated. Bordeaux will stay in my heart,” he concluded.

Milan have laid eyes on Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner amid reports that the deal for Luis Fabiano is on the verge of failing.

Fabiano's agent Jose Fuentes claims Milan's attempt to sign his client has collapsed. "I think the deal for Fabiano has failed," Fuentes told Sky Sport Italia.

Tuttosport are reporting that the Rossoneri have now highlighted the Gunners' striker as an alternative to the Brazilian. Bendtner has not been a regular starter at the Emirates, but Emmanuel Adebayor's move to Manchester City suggested the Danish international would earn more playing time.

However, Bendtner may now find himself the subject of Milan's desires. Voices in Italy claim the San Siro-based side are expected to make their interest known. Last month, the Rossoneri made contact with Arsenal, but that was for Adebayor.

Earlier reports in Italy claimed the Rossoneri were looking at a possible swap between Marco Borriello and Juventus hitman David Trezeguet, but Adriano Galliani, the Milan vice-president, has dismissed those reports.

Arsenal fans have been hit with more bad news as manager Arsene Wenger revealed to the clubs official website that Eduardo will also miss the start of the new season.

The Brazilian-born Croatian international returned to first team action towards the end of last season following a horror leg break against Birmingham City in February 2008. However, the striker underwent further surgery on the injury in May 2009.

It's not all bad in North London, though, as coach Wenger stated that he will return before Samir Nasri.

“In [those] two months (that Nasri will be out) Eduardo will be back,“ he said, although he did not give a definitive timeframe.

Wenger also explained how Samir Nasri sustained his injury.

“Accidentally he nicked the ball away from somebody who was just having a shot on goal,” said the Frenchman. “Unfortunately he got kicked and got a broken fibula. Not a complicated one but it will take six weeks to heal.”

Following the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City, Arsenal fans will be hoping the injury situation doesn't worsen during the club's ongoing pre-season preparations.

Arsenal fans may be choking down a bitter-sweet pill when hearing the news that, while Czech Republic attacker Tomas Rosicky nears full fitness following a lengthy 18-month injury-hell, Samir Nasri will be sidelined for an expected three months due to a fractured fibula.

However, the initial estimated prognosis has since been clarified by manager Arsene Wenger, who has today stated that the fracture is a "simple one" and that Gunners fans can expect to see their French star - who scored two goals against Manchester United at home last season - as early as September.

The Arsenal boss believes Nasri could return in six weeks, meaning that he may well be available for inclusion for the north London club's visit of former team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor's new stomping ground; Manchester City. The previous visit to Manchester, though, on August 29, to compete against Sir Alex Ferguson's United, may be too soon for the former Marseille hotshot.

Wenger confirmed to Arsenal TV Online, “Unfortunately he fractured his fibula and he will be out for six weeks.

“He accidentally nicked the ball away from somebody having a shot on goal. Unfortunately he got kicked and broke his fibula. It's not a complicated one, it's a simple one but it will take six weeks to heal,” he said.

The astute tactician then implied that Rosicky will be able to cover the absence of Nasri, “Tomas Rosicky [will be] back.”

Wenger then added that Eduardo da Silva, who has bounced between fitness and injury after his return from a potentially career-threatening leg-break sustained at Birmingham City in the 2007-08 season, will also be in contention to rival Rosicky for a starring role while Nasri occupies the physio room.

“In [those] two months Eduardo will be back as well. We have offensive options but we don’t want to lose important players before the season starts,” he lamented.

Considering his swift adaptation period and his productivity in front of goal during his introduction as an Arsenal forward, it is little wonder that Andrey Arshavin is being touted as the Gunners' most influential weapon next season, but the player himself harbours a more modest outlook, claiming his greatest priority is just to keep his first team place.

The former Zenit St. Petersburg hotshot, who signed for £16 million during the winter window, also believes it is high time Arsenal shook off their 'young and inexperienced' label.

"Next season will be like my first real season," he told Sky Sports Magazine. "This has been like the preamble, a demo version before the start of the real game. Everything will start for real next season.
"We'll have to see how that unfolds. My main concern will be making sure I keep my place in the team. I want to enjoy a good pre-season with the team. I have already adapted. I am very happy. The fans love me, which is important for me.

"We all believe that there will be trophies, and that the new season will be full of joy for the players and the fans.

"But we have to finish speaking about how young we are. We need to play like we are a big and strong team."

Eduardo, the Arsenal striker, has refuted suggestions that he is out injured for two months.

Arsene Wenger recently told the club's official website that the Brazilian-born star would miss the next two months.

However, speaking to Croatian paper Jutarnji, the player himself expressed his surprise at those comments.

"I do not know anything about the statement made by my coach," Eduardo said.

"It can not be true. I am completely ready physically.

"I was told that I will play between 20 and 30 minutes on July 27 when we play against Szombatelya. Two days later against Hannover 96 I will play a half.

"I feel great, next week I will play for Arsenal, and I believe that everything will be OK."

Eduardo only made four appearances last season, as he struggled with various niggles after recovering from his horrific broken leg.

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has reiterated that he is in no rush to spend the £25 million available after selling Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City.

Wenger refuted suggestions that the club's board would prevent him from investing the cash in the transfer market, suggesting instead that it was his choice.

Speaking to The Islington Gazette, he said, "I will be able to spend that money - if we are able to find the right players and if we feel it is needed. We are not in a hurry right now.

"We have internal players lined up. Look at the offensive players that we have - Van Persie, Arshavin, Eduardo, Rosicky, Walcott, Bendtner.

"We just want to prepare for the season well now. We had 14 players missing for the Barnet game [on Saturday] so we will see where we need an addition.

"We are not in a hurry but if we need to add something anywhere then we will."

One player that the Gunners are rumoured to be interested in is Andre-Pierre Gignac, and Wenger confirmed that he was indeed tracking the French forward.

"We keep an eye on him," he said.

"He is one of the players that we will follow and if we went for a striker then he would be one of the possibilities."

A plethora of reports in the British media yesterday suggested that Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri's two-month injury lay-off was accompanied by a fresh sidelining of Eduardo da Silva, however, this was news to the player, who later told Croatian press that he was "completely ready physically".

Manager Arsene Wenger clarified the situation when he stated on the club's official website that, "Eduardo should play on Monday," which is a stark contrast to the quote attributed to the Frenchman yesterday, "... in two months Eduardo will be back as well."

Eduardo, a Brazil-born Croatian international, has also been pictured training with the rest of the Arsenal squad while Wenger instils his preparatory ethos into the side during the club's annual tour of Austria.

Regarding his apparent injury, 'Dudu' as he is affectionately known, expressed surprise, "I do not know anything about the statement made by my coach. It can not be true. I am completely ready physically.
Arsenal began their Austria trip in fine form as they beat SC Colombia by seven goals to one.

Arsenal have completed a deal that sees Pedro Botelho go on loan to Celta Vigo for a season in order for him to adapt to European football while he waits for a work permit.

The Gunners signed the 19-year-old Brazilian defender in 2007 from Figueirense and then immediately loaned him to Salamanca to gain experience, Sky Sports have confirmed.

A second campaign was then lined up at the Spanish club, but that was cut short last season and Botelho has only been able to train and play in friendlies since.

Now the left-back returns to the Spanish league and will take a step closer to qualifying for a Spanish passport as he spends the year with Balaidos.

Celta boss Eusebio Sacristan is looking to rebuild the Galician club's squad as they bid to make a return to the top flight after being relegated two seasons ago.

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry believes his former club, Arsenal, can still mount an assault on the Premier League title this season despite the seemingly uphill task ahead of manager Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners sold one of their main attacking outlets in Emmanuel Adebayor for £25 million to Manchester City last week and Wenger has been made aware that the club don't have the financial muscle of some of their closest rivals.

With influential midfielder Samir Nasri ruled out for at least two months after breaking his leg during the club's tour of Austria, the problems appear to be mounting at the Emirates Stadium.

But former fans favourite Henry, who scored a record 226 goals during his time in north London, is adamant that Arsenal are still capable of winning the Premier League title.

"It's not going to be easy without Adebayor, obviously, and what happened with Nasri was unlucky, but I still believe they can win the League," the 31-year-old is quoted as saying in The Daily Mail.

"That is always my feeling about my old club. It won’t be easy because there are teams who are doing it every time, but you never know.

"I remember when I left everyone was saying it wouldn’t be the same, but they ended up having a great season and nearly won the League.

"It can happen this year. I know eve­rybody is saying this and that but in my heart I will always talk like that.

Henry will be hoping to make an appearance for Barcelona against Arsenal's fierce north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Wembley Cup tomorrow evening and the French international believes that his former manager is more than capable of working with a shoestring budget.

"Arsene and Arse­nal have proven so many times they can win without spending a lot of money," Henry added.

"People talk about the top four but the only thing that matters to me is who is going to be top and I know that’s how Arsene sees it as well."

Still an Arsenal legend, despite currently playing for Barcelona, Thierry Henry has encouraged the Gunners to hold onto their captain, Cesc Fabregas.

"It is vital," Henry said in a press conference today.

"He's the Arsenal captain, he's young, and I am sure he wants to give something back to the club. Knowing Cesc, that's really important."

Despite Barca being at the top of the list of names linked to the midfielder, Henry made it very clear that it is not yet the time for the 22-year-old to join the current European champions.

Having enjoyed a terrific eight years with the London-based club, the Frenchman concluded with a statement from the heart, stating that Arsenal should keep their heads up and focus on finishing first in the English top-tier.

"My feeling for Arsenal is that I don't talk about being in the top four, I talk about winning the league," he said.

Arsenal and Manchester United are both set to be fined by UEFA for "improper conduct of their supporters" during the Champions League semi-final second leg at The Emirates.

According to The Guardian, The Gunners' fans will be punished for throwing a plastic bottle at Nemanja Vidic as the Red Devils were celebrating their first goal.

Meanwhile, United will be fined for a smoke bomb thrown onto the pitch by one of their fans.

However, given both clubs' exemplary previous record, the fine is likely to be a minimal one, somewhere in the region of £5,000.

Arsenal have been alerted by the news that Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has rejected a move to Stuttgart, and could be set to make a move.

Huntelaar looked to be on the verge of joining Stuttgart, but the German club eventually lost patience given his failure to make a final decision, and cancelled the deal.

Now, according to The Sun, Arsenal will try and tempt Huntelaar, who is thought to favour a move to The Premier League. The Gunners are reportedly ready to offer a fee of around €19million.

However, they will face competition from London rivals Tottenham, who have also confirmed their interest in the Dutchman.

Arsenal defender Johan Djourou wants to further exert his style into the team's rearguard and revel in a breakthrough season, however, he may face stiff competition for his role from new signing Thomas Vermaelen.

"I am ready now," Djourou informed the club's official website. "I am ready to step up and I have shown that in the last year. Now I just need to stay fit and show the boss that I am ready to play in the team all season.

"That's what I want to achieve this season because I really think that I have stepped up. I am strong and I can do the job in the centre of defence.

"Theo [Walcott] broke through last season but the centre-back position is always a bit difficult because I am only 22 and there is a lot of experience in the squad in that position. But I need to play to get that experience and I think I did that last season. Now I'm ready to go on from there.

"I think it is good that I am not so well known outside Arsenal. I am the guy who is working hard, the guy who wants to get where he wants to be. I have my belief, I know what I want and it doesn't bother me that I do not have a big reputation yet. I want to do my thing and be the best at Arsenal."

On the prospect of Vermaelen emerging as the likelier candidate to partner William Gallas in defence, as it is the former Ajax captain whose attributes would perhaps best compliment the Frenchman, Djourou said, "He is a strong player and he has impressed me a lot.

"When the boss chooses a player he knows what he is doing and Thomas has shown his qualities already. He is a good player and he is a good guy to have in the team."

Yaya Toure has poured cold water over re-emerging rumours that his brother, Arsenal's Kolo Toure, will be joining Manchester City.


“The most important thing for my brother is that he can play with a big team,” he told the London Evening Standard. “Arsenal play great football and City are not there yet.”

"They have a lot of money and are ready to buy everyone but it is difficult for them because the kind of players they want are already at big clubs and some people don’t want to take a step down."


“I think he is happy there because I have spoken to him and he says he likes the way Arsenal play football and he gets on with everyone there. He may have had one or two problems there but I think he will stay.”


Speaking about his own future, the Barcelona midfielder said, “A move one day to England could happen and I would like to play with my brother but I am very happy at Barcelona.”


“This is a great club who are winning trophies and I want to stay here. Today I play for Barcelona but tomorrow who knows?


"England has a great league and my brother is here but for now I am at the right club for me.”

Fiorentina have confirmed their interest in Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Eboue, but they could find it hard to land him.

Viola president Andrea Della Valle has revealed the club are keen on the Ivorian international following the sale of Felipe Melo to Juventus. Eboue can play in defence as well as in the midfield.

"Eboue is an excellent player, but it will not be easy to sign him," Della Valle told the press.

"These are our objectives and we will follow them. We are making big efforts, but we are keeping in mind the limits we have."

Reports in Italy suggest the Viola may bid €10 million for the Gunners man and sign him on a five-year deal.

Earlier, the player's agent Pascal Boisseau, claimed Spanish teams were after his client.

“It’s not just Fiorentina after him, but there are also Spanish teams." Boisseau told Fiorentina.it.

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who completed a lucrative move to Eastlands from Arsenal last week, is sure that his new club will present a serious challenge to his previous one when it comes to this season's race for a top four finish.

"That's why I'm here. That's why I signed for this club," the player told a press conference in South Africa today. "They have the players, they have the squad, they have the spirit to fight for the top four places. That's why I signed for this club.

"I cannot assure you of that [a top four finish] but I can assure you we will do our best. We will fight on the pitch and we will see what we can achieve."

The forward also felt that having seen the quality of players currently at Eastlands, and comparing them with those at his old club, the Citizens have as much chance as the Gunners of claiming a Champions League place.

"I think we have a chance to fight against Arsenal, to fight against anyone to be in the top four," he said.

City are preparing for the final of the Vodacom Challenge, a mini tournament in which they are participating as part of their preparations for the new season, and Adebayor is expected to feature in tomorrow's final against Kaizer Chiefs in Pretoria.

"We have checked Emmanuel out and he has looked good so far, his fitness levels are fine and he could play a significant part tomorrow," City manager Mark Hughes confirmed, via the club's official website.

Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, a reported target for north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, is reportedly demanding a pay-off to quit Real Madrid.

According to the Daily Mail, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp insists the club won't be held to ransom by Huntelaar's wage demands, but if Real agree to pay the player off, he may lower his salary expectations and a transfer could thus be facilitated.

Earlier this week, a proposed move to Stuttgart collapsed when the German club refused to match Huntelaar's wage demands.

The Holland international star currently earns £55,000 a week after tax in Spain - and he insists that Real's wish to offload him will not leave him worse off financially.

To match Huntelaar's current terms, Spurs would need to pay him more than £90,000 a week gross. But if Real Madrid can be persuaded to give him a £4.3 million pay-off, he may settle for lower personal terms.

Real manager Manuel Pellegrini knows the club can only register 25 players for the new La Liga season, so is keen to move Huntelaar on. It has emerged tonight that Italian giants AC Milan have re-entered the chase for Huntelaar, and according to reports in Italy, Spurs are now anxious to move quickly, with more talks planned between Huntelaar's agent and Real Madrid officials this weekend in the hope of breaking the deadlock.

According to The Mail, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would prefer to snare Huntelaar than Portsmouth's Peter Crouch, whose £12 million price tag he regards as excessive.

Meanwhile, Spurs may need to strengthen their defensive options, with Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson both injured and likely to miss the start of the new season, and captain Ledley King not yet having kicked a ball in the pre-season programme. The Mail reckons Redknapp could make a move for Newcastle United's centre-back Sebastien Bassong.

Having deserted Arsenal for Manchester City, striker Emmanuel Adebayor has spoken of how his new club would benefit from going back to the Emirates to lure Kolo Toure up to Eastlands.

City have been linked with a possible move for Toure should they fail in their attempts to attract John Terry or Joleon Lescott, and Adebayor is in no doubt that the Ivorian would add real value to City's back-line.

The Togo striker is a close friend of the Gunners' centre-half, and hopes that his presence at City will now make a similar move more appealing to Toure.

Quoted in The Independent, Adebayor said of Toure ahead of the final of the Vodacom Challenge against Kaizer Chiefs, "He is a very good friend of mine and he is one of the top defenders around this league.

"He has been playing in the league for seven or eight years, he knows it well and if they managed to get him he can do a job.

"We all know how good Kolo Toure is and I think the club need one good more good defender like him or John Terry. We all hope that it comes soon."

Rumours in Italy, reported by Tuttosport, suggest that Serie A giants AC Milan have set their sights on Arsenal's young Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner.

After failing in a bid to land Brazil's Selecao star Luis Fabiano - deeming the transfer fee to be too high - the Rossoneri are now looking for a more viable option, and the 21-year-old Dane has now apparently found himself on their radar.

It is being speculated by Tuttosport - and also reported by Channel 4's Football Italia - that Milan will present the Gunners with two options, the first one being a season-long loan deal for Bendtner, similar to the one that Arsene Wenger agreed to with Milan last season for Swiss defender Philippe Senderos.

If this is knocked back by Wenger, Milan will apparently offer Arsenal a figure in the region of £10 million for their young striker.

Having just sold Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City, Wenger may be disinclined to part with Bendtner - who himself may feel that with Adebayor out of the picture, he now has the chance to establish himself as a front-line striker with Arsenal.

However, if Arsenal do consider the deal, they would probably find the first option - of a loan - more appealing. This may also be preferable to a Milanese outfit thought to be unwilling to part with large amounts of cash this summer.

Whether the possible capture of Bendtner would be enough to appease the Milan faithful, who are expecting a major coup following the sale of Kaka for €68 million, and after failed attempts for Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko, Real Madrid's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Sevilla's Luis Fabiano, is another matter. They may be expecting a more prominent target than the young Dane.

As yet, neither side have commented on these developments. The coming days should provide an indication of how substantive this transfer rumour is.

Nicklas Bendtner signed for Arsenal in 2005, and is the second Gunners player to be linked with a move to Italy this weekend; Fiorentina declared their interest in Emmanuel Eboue earlier today.

Arsene Wenger is seeking to brink Salomon Kalou across London to join Arsenal.

Having lost Emmanuel Adebayor, the Ashburton Grove outfit are in the market for a striker, but will not pay over the odds for anyone.

However, according to the News of the World, the Gunners believe they can snare Kalou for a price of around £7 million. The Ivorian's contract expires next summer, so Chelsea might be keen to cash in on him now.

Carlo Ancelotti has previously stated that he wants Kalou to remain at Stamford Bridge, but the fact that he has not yet been offered a new contract suggests that all offers will be considered. He currently earns £45,000 per week, and Arsenal are ready to improve that to around £70,000.

A 'Chelsea insider' was quoted as saying, "Salomon is flattered by Arsenal's interest, but at the moment he is fully committed to Chelsea."

Arsenal are reportedly lining up a swoop for Fluminense’s teenage star Wellington, according to the News of the World.

The British tabloid claims that the Gunners are set to pounce for the youngster and will beat off stiff competition from rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona.

17-year-old Wellington has yet to sign a new contract with Fluminense and the deal is set to go through by the end of the year, the report continues.

Whilst the striker is unknown in England, he has already had a trial at Arsenal and is believed to have impressed manager Arsene Wenger.

Wellington spent a week with the Gunners back in December, and also featured in a reserve team game against Norwich when he scored four goals.

Should he decide to move to Arsenal, he will follow fellow young Brazilians Denilson and Pedro Botelho, who has been loaned to Salamanca, who have also arrived at the club.

Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has stated that the team are ready for the fight of the new Premier League season.

The Gunners have just sold Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City in a deal worth £25 million, and it was thought that that money would be invested on new players.

However, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger shows no signs of targeting anymore players, with the only major recruitment this summer being Belgian central defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax.

Almunia however feels that the Gunners squad is strong enough to compete this season, and expects the team to be more competitive.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Almunia said, "I think the squad is good enough.

"We will have to wait until a few games into pre-season to find out and the Emirates Cup will be a good test for us.

"We have a few lessons to learn from last season but I think that the more mature we are, the more responsible we are, too.

"I hope this season every player is responsible with their attitude and in all circumstances. I hope we will be very professional, not just in the games but every day as well.

"There is always a hunger in the squad. The good intentions are always in our mind and, personally, I will try to do my best for the team.

"Sometimes other teams are better than you and this season we will try to be better than them. I think every single player has to realise what club we are playing for."
The Emirates Cup begins next Saturday, and will see the Gunners take on the likes of Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Rangers.

Reports from the English tabloids suggest that Arsenal have made an offer of €17.3m to Real Madrid for striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and are looking to secure the player from under the noses of rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The Sunday Express comments that coach Arsene Wenger has earmarked the Dutchman as a replacement for Emannuel Adebayor, who has recently departed for Manchester City, and the club has cash to spend.

Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini recently stated that Huntelaar "has no place in this team", and the player turned down a move to German Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart last week.

It is thought that the 25-year old craves a move to the English Premier League, and although Tottenham had expressed an interest, the Gunners appear to have moved into the driving seat to clinch the striker’s signature.

Madrid are looking to sell, with sporting director Jorge Valdano admitting that the club need to offload some of their squad before any new additions can be considered, and the money raised from the sale of Huntelaar could be used to up their bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Huntelaar moved to the Bernabeu in January from Ajax for €20m and managed 8 La Liga goals in 20 appearances during the second half of the season.

According to The Daily Star, Arsenal have made a bid of £17 million for Roma's Montenegrin stiker Mirko Vucinic.

Talks are apparently already underway with the Italian club, as Arsene Wenger sees him as the ideal replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor who left for Manchester City last week for £25 million.

The newspaper says that the deal is currentlty being mulled over by Roma, who need to make a significant sale in order for Luciano Spaletti to bolster his current sqaud. £17 million from the London club would do nicely.

Since the sale of Adebayor to Manchester City, the Gunners have been linked with a whole host of European strikers. Real Madrid's Klaas Jan-Huntelaar is still the favourite to step in to Adebayor's boots, unless these new developments regarding Vucinic prove to have any substance.

Vucinic himself stated recently, "If an offer comes in, it will be up to the club to tell me and then we will talk about it. If it is for the good of the club, we'll see."

"I would be sorry to leave Roma, also because I have just renewed my contract" he added.

Mirko Vucinic has also been linked with moves to fellow Serie A outfit AC Milan, as well as Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the past month.