A-Mac wrote:Adebayor, Eboue & Gallas, all rumored to be leaving in the summer.
Any substance to these rumours?
They are all easily replaced, just need to spend the money. Ive been sayn that one for a while.
Gallas out in YaYa
Eboue out in Alonso - Liverpool in debt so right price & they might sell
Ade out & cash in on him. We dont need to replace him as we have RVP, Arshavin, Bendtner, Eduardo & Vela
Troure, Senderos & Simpson returning from loan spells, could cash in on 1 or 2 of these also to generate funds
SAASL SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPION 2010 2011 SAASL CHALLENGE CUP WINNER 2008 2010 2011 SAASL CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS WINNER 2010 SAASL CICHANOWSKI SHIELD WINNER 2009 2011 2012
A-Mac wrote:Adebayor, Eboue & Gallas, all rumored to be leaving in the summer.
Any substance to these rumours?
They are all easily replaced, just need to spend the money. Ive been sayn that one for a while.
Gallas out in YaYa
Eboue out in Alonso - Liverpool in debt so right price & they might sell
Ade out & cash in on him. We dont need to replace him as we have RVP, Arshavin, Bendtner, Eduardo & Vela
Troure, Senderos & Simpson returning from loan spells, could cash in on 1 or 2 of these also to generate funds
YaYa as in the barca YaYa? they going to give him up?
Alonso would be a quality sigining, although i dont think it will happen.
Arsenal have secured a €13 million (£11.4 million) deal for Ajax captain Thomas Vermaelen, according to reports in his native Belgium.
Arsene Wenger has been chasing the 23-year-old as he looks to strengthen his defensive options and has apparently now agreed a transfer fee with Ajax.
Het Laatste Nieuws reports that the two clubs reached an agreement on Saturday and that Vermaelen is now close to signing a four-year contract with The Gunners.
If the deal is confirmed then the defender will become the second most expensive Belgian player of all time, with Everton’s €20 million deal for Marouane Fellaini still the benchmark.
Wenger admitted 12 months ago that he was looking for a new defender but the only new arrival last August was Manchester United veteran Mikael Silvestre.
And with the future of both William Gallas and Kolo Toure the subject of speculation in recent months, the imminent arrival of Vermaelen will go a long way to placating fans who have been calling for more investment in the side.
SAASL SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPION 2010 2011 SAASL CHALLENGE CUP WINNER 2008 2010 2011 SAASL CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS WINNER 2010 SAASL CICHANOWSKI SHIELD WINNER 2009 2011 2012
Theo Walcott’s words of wisdom have helped Jack Wilshere cope with this season’s intense introduction to life in the first team.
In February 2008, the Hertfordshire-born midfielder was making his first Reserve Team appearance while still a schoolboy. Yet within seven months he had made his debut for Arsène Wenger’s senior side aged just 16 years and 256 days. The ‘secret’ was out.
More glory was to come when Wilshere opened his goalscoring account with a fizzing long-range drive in Arsenal’s 6-0 victory over Sheffield United in the Carling Cup. In total, the midfielder appeared eight times in the first team alongside numerous outings for the Reserves and Under-18s.
One man who knows all about the journey from teenage wonderkid to first-team regular is Walcott. And for Wilshere, there could be no better mentor.
“They all talk to me and tell me what it was like for them when they were young players,” he told Arsenal.com. “But Theo is the one who helped me especially in that area.
“When he was young he would play a game and then not play again for the next six months. That can be tough so he’s been giving me advice on that.
“It helps a lot. Maybe I am following the same path as him so it’s helpful to have him around. I want to do what he has done really, he’s now a proper member of the first XI really and that’s what I want to be.”
Walcott is also aware of the similar transition on the international stage. The rapid winger was a surprise inclusion in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England squad which was knocked out of World Cup 2006.
Walcott, who did not appear in Germany, has since become a regular feature for the Three Lions and completed 90 minutes in England’s 6-0 thrashing of Andorra on Wednesday.
Wilshere is at the forefront of a new wave of young homegrown talent throughout the Academy and he believes it can only benefit the Club.
“I’m proud that so many young English players have got this far,” Wilshere said. “We’ve got a mixed squad but it’s great to see them coming through.
”It’s good for all of us in the team and it keeps the spirit up. There are more even younger too - Benik [Afobe], Chuks [Aneke] people like that.
“The English players join the Club at a young age and keep working hard. That moves them up through the age groups and they’re there when they’re older.
“Hopefully they continue to do it in the future too.”
Wideboy Henri Lansbury will look to Cesc Fabregas for inspiration as he targets a more central midfield role next season.
The 18-year-old featured on the right wing for Steve Bould’s Under-18s this season either side of his three-month loan spell at Scunthorpe in which he played just off the lone striker.
But for Henri the season was something of a physical struggle. In January 2008, shortly after scoring a hat-trick against Burnley in the FA Youth Cup, the midfielder complained of severe tiredness. And, after extensive blood tests, he was diagnosed with Glandular Fever.
The midfielder shrugged off the problem for July’s pre-season trip to Austria but suffered some post-viral fatigue in the following months.
However, now fit and firing again, the midfielder can’t wait to stake his claim for a place in the ‘engine room’.
“I think if I get a bit bigger I can move in to the centre and hopefully do well there,” he told Arsenal.com
“I would say I look up to Cesc Fabregas at the moment. He starts everything off, he creates the move and that is what I want to be doing.
“I’m learning so much about my position here. We go and watch the first team train and see what some of them do. Samir Nasri drifts inside, Theo Walcott goes round the outside with his pace. I try to take both of them on board and learn from that but the middle is where I think I can be.
“I felt like I was making up for lost time last season. When I would go and watch them play at the training ground I just wanted to be involved again. But I got told to wait for my time and that has come now.
“It has been a massive year for me, a big stepping stone, and it has helped me for my career ahead.
“Next year could be even bigger but I just need to get stronger over pre-season and come back fully fit.”
Steve Bould insists there is "no reason" why some of Arsenal's all-conquering youngsters can't break into Arsène Wenger's senior side.
The Frenchman's transfer-market moves will be the centre of attention this summer but he has always supplemented his squad with players who have emerged through the ranks at Emirates Stadium. Kieran Gibbs is the latest to make the step up from youth team to first team, turning out against Manchester United in the Champions League just two years after facing those same opponents in the Youth Cup.
Wenger has more reason than ever to dip into the Club's pool of youth talent after watching Bould's boys win the Academy title and dismantle Liverpool in the Youth Cup Final. The Under-18s manager acknowledges that only the very best will make it at Arsenal but he has seen enough to suggest that the current crop have what it takes.
"We won't know how good they can be until they are thrown in the first team," Bould told Arsenal.com. "But they have certainly got talent - there is lots and lots of talent here. Whether they've got the character you never know until you throw them in at the deep end but we hope that is the next stage for them.
"It's probably not realistic to expect four or five players to break into the first team on a regular basis. It's difficult but there's no reason why one, two or three can't go on. Kieran Gibbs is in there at the moment so anything over and above one or two players is a massive bonus and that's what we're striving for because it's a world-class level.
"We keep saying we've got good kids all through the system at the minute. Every age group has got two or three dotted about who we hope can be at least as good as the level we've seen this year and maybe better. So I think the future's quite bright."
Bould completed a rare ‘double’ last month when he managed the Under-18s to Youth Cup glory at Anfield exactly two decades after winning the League at the same ground as a player. George Graham's class of '89 was blessed with talent and an admirable team spirit. Twenty years on, Bould can see similarities with the players he has been coaching.
"You would hope there are similarities there," said Bould. "In the '89 team we had Paul Merson, David Rocastle, Michael Thomas, Tony Adams, Martin Hayes, Niall Quinn was involved in the squad I think as well.
"They were all young kids at the Club and we hope we've got another crop that is going to come through."
Arsenal have been in negotiations with Feyenoord for the transfer of striker Luc Castaignos, but any talk of an offer has been put back until July according to the players agent, Arie Treffers.
Treffers also moved to confirm that Liverpool have not been in contact regarding his client but there is interest from other sides. However, Arsenal have been leading the chase for many months, yet signings for the first team have taken priority for the time being.
“We have been talking with Arsenal for three or four months. At this moment the the two clubs are talking. Arsenal have expressed a lot of interest, Feyenoord are also interested in the deal, but it is important he develops in Holland.”
“We are now awaiting the action from Arsenal. They said last week that they will go to Feyenoord in the start of July as at this moment the most important thing for the club is to make the choices for the first team.”
The Gunners are determined to sign a youth striker for the coming campaign – as Young Guns revealed earlier in the week. Wellington and Jimmy Kamghain have both been linked, but a betting man would say Castaignos is the favourite of the three. Known for his agility, speed and awesome finishing, Luc is expected to feature in the Feyenoord first team next season.
Arsène Wenger may have handed Ivan Gazidis the role of completing transfers, yet the Frenchman is still a massive lure for potential players. The 16-year-old is also an admirer of Wenger’s methods – which includes loaning – something Treffers believes is important for him to develop correctly.
“The manager at Arsenal is the most important person in our vision and we hope Arsenal will make this sort of deal”
Castaignos has very quickly become one of the most talked about starlets in Europe. A regular in the Holland Under 17’s line up, he finished joint top scorer in the recent Under 17 European Championships as the Dutch – led by Arsenal’s Oğuzhan Ozyakup – reached the final. He then joined Jack Wilshere in being named in UEFA’s “Ten future stars”.
The future is very bright for Castaignos – let’s hope it’s with Arsenal.
Liam Brady’s search for a new Youth striker will continue after French outfit Paris Saint-Germain rejected Arsenal’s bid for their free scoring marksman Jimmy Kamghain.
The Gunners interest in The French Under 17 International was first revealed by Young Guns last August, but Gilles Grimandi has since stepped up his scouting of Kamghain who has developed into one of the brightest prospects on the continent. His debut season for PSG’s Under 16’s saw the Parisian’s lift the League title convincingly as the starlet averaged almost a goal a game.
Subsequently, Arsenal have lodged a bid for the starlet but it was quickly rejected. Jimmy is known to be open for a switch to England but Chairman Sébastien Bazin has made it clear he is not interested in selling the youngster. Blessed with fantastic technique, electric pace and slick finishing, a host of scouts were present as Kamghain impressed during the recent UEFA Under 17 European Championships.
Arsène Wenger and Grimandi have close connections with PSG – with Wenger often offering advice on the development of their Academy. Former Arsenal midfielder Gilles was linked with the Chief scout role during the summer, but remained in his current role, helping secure Francis Coquelin’s signature.
It’s not yet known whether a follow up bid would be made but it seems clear cut that Kamghain won’t be leaving Paris anytime soon. However, Brady’s search for a new striker is set to continue with the likes of Brazilian Wellington and Dutchman Luc Castaignos being mentioned as possible targets.
Wenger & Ferguson alerted as PSG star admits doubts over future
Mahamadou Sakho’s future at Paris St German appears to be in doubt after the player confirmed that he had received no confirmation from the new coach Antoine Kombouaré about whether he is part of the French side’s future plans. The French under-21 international, who has already been heavily linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, has been tipped for a bright future at the top of the game having already captained PSG at domestic level.
Speaking to French publication L’Equipe, the 19-year-old stressed:
"Obviously there is a doubt.
“I have not spoken with the coach, I do not know if he's counting on me for next season.
"Do I already have offers? Frankly, I will first go on vacation, calm down, and I [will] see what happens."
Noted for his leadership credentials, versatility, tireless engine, hard-working attitude, tackling ability the player is thought to hold a valuation in excess of £8m.
Mamadou Sakho could join either Arsenal or Bayern Munich this summer, according to the Paris Saint-Germain defender's agent.
Sakho has been linked with a move to the Gunners, with reports claiming scout Gilles Grimandi has been casting an eye over his displays.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be in the market for defensive reinforcements, and Ajax centre-back Thomas Vermaelen looks set to sign in North London.
Sakho, 19, could also be a target of the Premier League club, but, according to agent Tim Hager, the Frenchman is being eyed by Bayern.
Hager told Sport: "He will be moving clubs this summer. Arsenal are interested, but the club are too cheap at the moment.
"Yes, I think a transfer will happen soon. He wants to play football in England and Arsenal are a good club but Manchester United is a better club.
"Arsenal want him, but Manchester United not yet. Barcelona in Spain, and Bayern Munich in the German league are also interested. They are all the teams at the moment that are interested in the player.
"But the most interested club is Arsenal, they want him the most. Bayern Munich is a top European club, so I think it will be Bayern or Arsenal."
Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has signed a new long-term contract with the north London club.
The 24-year-old Pole has established himself as the Gunners' number two behind Manuel Almunia since arriving at the Emirates Stadium from Legia Warsaw in 2007.
He made 18 first-team appearances in all competitions last term and kept nine clean sheets.
The length of the deal was not disclosed, only that it was a ``long-term'' commitment.
Fabianski told Arsenal's website: ``I'm very happy to sign my new contract with Arsenal. It's a big motivation for me to keep working hard and shows that the club believes in me.
``I'll be doing everything I can to repay that belief by helping Arsenal to win trophies in the coming years.''
Fabianski broke into the senior international side in 2006 and has since become a regular in the Poland squad.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was delighted to have secured the stopper's services.
He said: ``I rate Lukasz highly and I am very pleased that he has committed his future to the club. I believe he is a top competitor, he's intelligent and reads the game very well and has all the ingredients to be successful in his position.''
Arsenal are preparing a renewed £15m bid for Fiorentina's midfielder Felipe Melo.
The fiery Brazilian has been tracked by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for the past three years, since he was playing in Spain with lowly Almeria. He moved to Fiorentina last summer, quickly earning a reputation as a robust midfielder with an eye for goal. In his first season he collected 17 yellow cards and three reds.
Arsenal made enquiries in December and followed up with a tentative offer in January but were told the 25-year-old wasn't for sale. Inter Milan have since come in with an offer, which is reported to be £15million plus defender Nicolas Burdisso, yet Melo would prefer Arsenal.
Vincent Enyeama’s representative has claimed that the Nigeria keeper was last week on the brink of joining Arsenal.
Hapoel Tel Aviv's Enyeama recently caught the eye of Arsene Wenger whilst playing for his country against France and is subsequently reported to have attracted a bid from North London.
The player’s representative, Tony Martich, seems to suggest the fee in question eventually scuppered any potential move and prompted Wenger to instead extend the contract of current second choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski.
"Vincent was very close to sealing a move to Arsenal, he had already agreed personal terms but Hapoel demanded €2 million - and Arsenal pulled out," Martich told the Israeli press.
"Israeli clubs need to understand that the Ligat Ha'Al doesn't mean much to the biggest clubs in the world."
Enyeama – who takes penalties for his club side – is nicknamed ‘The Cat’ and was picked out earlier in the season as a player to watch by IMScouting.com
Wesley Sneijder has signalled his intention to remain with Real Madrid, amid suggestions he could be a target for Arsenal.
The capture of Kaka and imminent arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo have cast doubt on the futures of a number of players at Real, Sneijder among them.
The Holland international midfielder was a key player for Real a couple of seasons ago, but a knee injury picked up in the summer of 2008 set his career back.
He failed to nail down a regular start once returning from injury and with new faces heading to the Bernabeu, it is being claimed he is surplus to requirements.
Arsene Wenger is reported to be monitoring the situation, but Sneijder’s agent claims the midfielder wants to fight for his future at Real.
”Wesley has told me that he wants to stay at Real next year,” Soren Lerby told Volkskrant. ”He says it does not matter who they buy, he wants to stay.
Mamadou Sakho’s agent has confirmed that Inter have enquired about the PSG starlet.
While the French press have claimed that the Nerazzurri have offered Paris Saint Germain a swap with Patrick Vieira, the defender’s agent has confirmed holding talks with the Serie A champions.
The highly rated 19-year-old France Under-21 international has also been linked with Arsenal, and Tim Hager, his representative, has claimed that Sakho will turn his back on the Italian league, as he would rather move to either The Premier League or the Bundesliga.
“He doesn’t want to play in Italy,” Hager told Calciomercato.
“We are yet to make a decision regarding his next destination, but moving to an Italian club is not on the cards.
“Where is he going to move? In Germany or England.
"I can confirm that we have been contacted by Inter, but it was a while ago.”
Bacary Sagna has pledged his allegiance to Arsenal amid rumours he is a target for Real Madrid.
Reports emanating out of France on Tuesday had suggested that the Gunners full-back was open to the idea of securing a switch to the Spanish capital this summer.
Sagna was quoted as saying he was 'not against the idea' of moving to free-spending Real.
However, the Frenchman claims he never said anything of the sort and has sought to clarify the situation.
He insists that he remains fully committed to Arsenal and is looking forward to the challenge of helping Arsene Wenger's side secure some long-awaited silverware next season.
"I have seen the quotes attributed to me in the French media today and I just wanted to put the record straight," Sagna told Arsenal's official website.
"These comments are not accurate and I'm not aware of any speculation linking me to another club. I am 100 per cent committed to Arsenal.
"This is a great club and I'm proud to wear the shirt. I'm looking forward to returning for pre-season training in July and preparing for the challenges that next season will bring.
"We have a great squad of players at the club and I know that we can achieve something together at Arsenal, my focus is nowhere else."
Gael Clichy has rejected the speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid by telling skysports.com of his commitment to Arsenal.
Real president Florentino Perez has already landed Kaka from AC Milan and had an £80million bid accepted by Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo.
A number of further stars have been linked with a switch to Santiago Bernabeu, and Clichy has been mooted as one of those targets.
France international Clichy's reputation has grown since he signed for the Gunners from Cannes in 2003, and the 23-year-old intends to at least see out the long-term deal he penned at Emirates Stadium last year.
Clichy told skysports.com: "I heard there is an interest from Real Madrid, but I have a contract with Arsenal which I intend to respect unless the club say otherwise.
"It is great to be linked with Real, but I want to win things with Arsenal."
if Madrid sign Ribery & Snjieder came available he would be a great pick up for the Gooners & would slot straight in. One thing is any player leaving Madrid their will come a hefty price to try to recoup some of the already spent millions & this will scare off Wenger
SAASL SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPION 2010 2011 SAASL CHALLENGE CUP WINNER 2008 2010 2011 SAASL CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS WINNER 2010 SAASL CICHANOWSKI SHIELD WINNER 2009 2011 2012
One of Britain’s few respected football journalists, Gabriele Marcotti, has claimed that Fiorentia’s Felipe Melo is on his way to Arsenal. Speaking to sports radio station talkSPORT last night, Marcotti tipped Brazil midfielder Melo to join the Gunners at the conclusion of the Confederations Cup.
Melo joined La Viola a year ago in a €13m deal from Spanish outfit Almeria and has thoroughly impressed all in his first season in Italy, even forcing himself into Brazil’s starting side. The 25-year-old had previously been touted to join Inter Milan, but has been linked with a move to the Emirates in recent weeks. Melo reiterated his desire to stay at Fiorentina on Sunday, stating:
“It’s clear that interest from big clubs makes me happy because it shows I have worked well, but I would like to once again confirm that I am very well in Florence and have a great relationship with my teammates, the club and the fans.”
It seems though, that a move to Arsenal was too good to turn down for Melo. According to the ever-reliable Marcotti, the deal will not be finalised until the conclusion of Brazil’s Confederations Cup campaign. Melo’s agent, though, has been in heavy communication with Arsenal and is happy with the contract Arsenal have put on the table.
Marcotti then continued, stating that Fiorentina are also keen to open negotiations for Arsenal-owned defender Philippe Senderos. He claimed that Senderos has enjoyed his time in Serie A and would jump a the chance of joining Fiorentina. Marcotti did however make it clear that the deals for Senderos and Melo are completely seperate, although one would think that a smooth deal for Melo would do no harm to Senderos’ chances of joining Fiorentina.
One of Britain’s few respected football journalists, Gabriele Marcotti, has claimed that Fiorentia’s Felipe Melo is on his way to Arsenal. Speaking to sports radio station talkSPORT last night, Marcotti tipped Brazil midfielder Melo to join the Gunners at the conclusion of the Confederations Cup.
Melo joined La Viola a year ago in a €13m deal from Spanish outfit Almeria and has thoroughly impressed all in his first season in Italy, even forcing himself into Brazil’s starting side. The 25-year-old had previously been touted to join Inter Milan, but has been linked with a move to the Emirates in recent weeks. Melo reiterated his desire to stay at Fiorentina on Sunday, stating:
“It’s clear that interest from big clubs makes me happy because it shows I have worked well, but I would like to once again confirm that I am very well in Florence and have a great relationship with my teammates, the club and the fans.”
It seems though, that a move to Arsenal was too good to turn down for Melo. According to the ever-reliable Marcotti, the deal will not be finalised until the conclusion of Brazil’s Confederations Cup campaign. Melo’s agent, though, has been in heavy communication with Arsenal and is happy with the contract Arsenal have put on the table.
Marcotti then continued, stating that Fiorentina are also keen to open negotiations for Arsenal-owned defender Philippe Senderos. He claimed that Senderos has enjoyed his time in Serie A and would jump a the chance of joining Fiorentina. Marcotti did however make it clear that the deals for Senderos and Melo are completely seperate, although one would think that a smooth deal for Melo would do no harm to Senderos’ chances of joining Fiorentina.
Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson battle over Karim Benzema
ARSENE WENGER is ready to go head to head with Sir Alex Ferguson for the signaure of Karim Benzema in the knowledge that the 21-year-old France striker would rather join Arsenal this summer than Manchester United.
While Ferguson, the United manager, has already offered Lyons £25.5m, the French club believe they can do better. Keen to ensure his position in France’s 2010 World Cup team, Benzema was initially reluctant to leave this summer, but with Lyons keen to sell, he wants a club where he will be guaranteed first-team football. Though outgunned financially, Arsenal boss Wenger has an edge in that respect over United and Real Madrid.
Arsenal have also been made aware of Benzema’s desire to work with Wenger. A club record offer depends on the sale of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Arsenal were ready to sell to AC Milan last year and remain keen to offload.
Arsenal are in a hurry as Wenger wants his reinforced squad in place for the start of pre-season training on July 6. In addition to a striker, he seeks a holding midfielder to play alongside Cesc Fabregas to help quell his captain’s concerns about Arsenal’s competitiveness.
Talks are ongoing with Fiorentina over Felipe Melo. The Italians want £21m for the 26-year-old Brazil player. Arsenal are some distance from meeting that valuation, but have offered Philippe Senderos in part-exchange. Melo has also attracted interest from Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, who see him as a potential replacement for Javier Mascherano or Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea, in contrast, have been slow to conduct transfer business ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s installation as manager on Wednesday. Internazionale have been frustrated in their attempts to conclude the joint purchase of Ricardo Carvalho and Deco, complaining that conversations with Peter Kenyon have been handicapped by doubts over the chief executive’s future. “We are talking with Peter,” said a source, “but nobody knows if he stays or leaves. It depends on [Roman] Abramovich.” Chelsea say Kenyon, sporting director Frank Arnesen and performance director Mike Forde are all involved in recruitment and that it would be wrong to conclude that the chief executive has been marginalised. Inter have offered to include Argentina defender Nicolas Burdisso in the Carvalho-Deco deal but are still short of Chelsea’s valuation of the pair. Jose Mourinho, the Inter coach, is also prepared to consider an alternative exchange that would see striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic sold to Chelsea for cash plus the two Portugal internationals. Inter value Ibrahimovic at around £52m.
Further to media reports on Thursday morning, Cesc Fabregas has spoken to Arsenal.com:
"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, 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.
"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. 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."
The Gunners are said to be preparing a club record bid for the Frenchman...
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.
