Arshavin & Shea set for Moves

By Nick Lander

Both Andrei Arshavin and James Shea are believed to be nearing moves away from the club.

Shea, who kept a clean sheet in the Arsenal XI game at Stevenage today (Saturday), was in training with Graham Westley's Preston North End last week, as a trial spell with a view to the Reserves goalkeeper joining the Lancashire club on loan. The 21 year old has had two fruitless loan spells in the past, having managed just four senior appearances so far in his career - none for Arsenal. He really needs experience and the Gunners will be desperate that any loan to Preston works out significantly better than Shea's previous spells.

Another player who looks set to move on is Russia captain Andrei Arshavin. His departure has been widely expected since he moved to Zenit St Petersburg on loan in January. They were believed to have been keen on taking him back at the club permanently, but a bitter war of words with the Russian public, after the nation's underwhelming Euro 2012 campaign seems to have ended their interest. West London side Fulham are now understood to be in pole position to sign the diminutive forward, with Arsenal likely to hold out for a fee in the region of £5-10m. Arshavin was left out of Arsenal's Asian tour in order to secure a move away from the club.

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Gunners Make Cazorla Bid

By Nick Lander

Arsenal are understood to have made a formal approach for Malaga star Santi Cazorla. According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Gunners have table an offer of €23m. However, the report does then go on to state that the midfielder has a release clause of €45m. A figure that Arsenal's bid is not even close to.

Signed last summer from Villarreal for €22.6m, Malaga are currently in a financial turmoil that could see them relegated in the next couple of weeks. A disaster for a club that should be competing in the Champions League next season. It had originally been believed that Cazorla would be available for less than €15m but, as a result of Malaga's tough stance, his price has gradually been increasing since the speculation first emerged.

Manuel Pellegrini, the Malaga manager, recently made his - and the club's - position clear. When asked about Cazorla's prospective transfer at a recent press conference, he said: "I do not think that for €20m Santi will leave the club, because it would be giving him away.

"It would belittle our intention of competing for the Champions League."

Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta recently stated his admiration for his compatriot saying "he is a top, top player. He has unbelievable quality and talent." A sentiment that manager Arsene Wenger was in agreement with, "I share the opinion of Mikel Arteta. Cazorla is a great player."

It will be interesting to see if the two parties can reach an agreement. It will almost certainly depend on the outcome of Malaga's financial problems, so, much like Robin van Persie's exit from Arsenal, this is a transfer that is likely to run over the whole summer.

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Arsenal Close on Cazorla

By Nick Lander

Arsenal have begun  to firm up their interest in Spanish attacker Santi Cazorla. Currently at Malaga, Cazorla can play anywhere across the midfield and anywhere in a front three.

Fresh from winning the Euros this summer with his country, Cazorla returned to pre-season to find his club in turmoil. Despite recently being taken over by wealthy backers, Malaga are in deep financial trouble and are currently facing relegation from La Liga, with considerable debts to other clubs, the government and their players. The club will be relegated at the end of the month if these debts are not cleared. The club finished in the Champions League places last season.

Signed last summer for £17m, Arsenal were interested in Cazorla then too, but did not have the finance for a move at the right time, the 27 year old is now believed to be available for between £10-£16m. He is keen to quit Malaga and there have been some reports that he has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners, whilst these cannot be substantiated, Cazorla did report for training today with his agent, and it is understood that he was to have crunch talks with his club to try and secure a move away.

It is unclear whether Arsenal have agreed personal terms with the winger, or even bid, but Arsene Wenger has said that "we are not close to signing Cazorla. We are still working that out." Given his tight lipped nature with regards to transfers, it would seem that Cazorla is very close to a move to N5, with Wenger giving a quote that solid about the Gunners' interest in the Spaniard.

If Arsenal do clinch the winger's signature, then it is likely to signal the end of their interest in Barcelona wide man Ibrahim Afellay, who Arsenal have also been linked with a move for.

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Arsenal's Llorente Interest Grows

Is Llorente (R) a possible van Persie replacement?

By Nick Lander

With Robin van Persie now set for pastures new, attention is now turning to who, if anybody, will be brought into the club as a replacement. There has been low level speculation that Fernando Llorente would leave Athletic Bilbao for a while now, and his name has been quietly linked with a move to N5. However with van Persie's departure now more a formality than a possibility, the speculation is growing stronger.

The 27 year old Spaniard scored 28 goals for Bilbao last season, a respectable tally, and enough to earn him a call up to Spain's victorious Euro 2012 squad. At 6ft 5in Llorente has the physical presence that should make any adaptation to the more physical style of the Premier League easier. I did not manage to see too much of him last season, but from what I did, Llorente seems to be a striker from the same mould as van Persie, if slightly less likely to drop deep and link up play.

The stumbling block may be his £28m release clause, a figure that Arsenal will never agree to. He is, however, in the same situation as van Persie is in North London, as he only has a year to run on his contract. Something that means Bilbao may be open to negotiate a more reasonable fee, likely to be between £15m and £20m.

The Gunners have also been linked with moves for Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic and Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski to replace Robin van Persie, but out of Jovetic, Lewandowski and Llorente, the Spaniard is probably the better player. I for one, would be happy to see him arrive at the Emirates.

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Arsenal Make Tentative Afellay Enquiries

By Nick Lander

Arsenal are believed to have made preliminary contact with Barcelona to sound them out about the availability of Ibrahim Afellay for transfer. The 26 year old Dutchman has struggled for game time in Catalonia, partially through injury, and it is understood that Tito Vilanova has informed Afellay that he is not a major part of his plans for next season, and can move on.

As well as the Gunners, Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool are also interested in the talented winger, who is reportedly only valued at £6m. Newcastle United and Spurs have also been linked with a move for the player earlier in the summer.

Described as the "Dutch Zidane" by former national manager Bert van Marwijk, Afellay can play across the midfield, though is predominantly a winger. A good dribbler and crosser, the Dutchman could add some depth to the Arsenal squad, in the attacking midfield area that many are suggesting needs strengthening.

If any move is made to secure Afellay's services, it is likely that it will come after Arsenal's Asia tour - unless their hand is forced by a rival bid.

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Koscielny Set for New Arsenal Deal

By Nick Lander

According to French TV channel TF1, Laurent Koscielny is on the verge of signing a 3 year contract extension. Signed from Lorient two seasons ago, Koscielny has been one of Arsenal's best performers over the last couple of years, and is part of a burgeoning central defensive partnership with Thomas Vermaelen. That the Frenchman is set to achieve 100 appearances for Arsenal before Christmas (in less than two and a half seasons) demonstrates his quality.

Koscielny, who is interesting Inter Milan and Barcelona, is now set to be rewarded for his performances with a new deal. This is likely to be formally announced shortly before the start of the Premier League season in August.

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Arsenal Reject van Persie Bids

By Nick Lander

Arsenal are believed to have received and rejected three bids for Robin van Persie this morning. Understood to be from Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus, none of the bids topped £15m, way below the Gunners' £20m asking price.

Van Persie announced that he would not sign an Arsenal contract extension at the beginning of July, and there has been a flurry of speculation since. The striker joined Arsenal for just £2.75m back in 2004 from Feyenoord. With 48 goals in his last 55 Premier League games, van Persie is on form - it took him 139 games to score his first 48 Premiership goals - and the Gunners are unwilling to even enter formal talks with any bidding party until they receive an offer of at least £20m.

Having scored a goal every 111 minutes he was on the pitch in 2011/12 with a league high 58% of his shots on target, it is unsurprising the amount of interest there is in Arsenal's captain. In addition to the three clubs who have already bid, AC Milan are expected to get involved at some stage, and both Real Madrid and Barcelona are understood to have an interest in signing the Dutchman.

Following these bids, van Persie is now set to be left behind from Arsenal's forthcoming Asia tour, in order to work on his fitness (finalise a move elsewhere). If their valuation of their player is not met, Arsenal are believed to be prepared to hold him to the final year of his contract and lose him for nothing next summer.

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Ganso, Rodriguez, Paulinho on Arsenal Radar

Jese Rodriguez

By Nick Lander

Arsenal are believed to be considering a move for Real Madrid youngster Jese Rodriguez. The Spain Under-19 international plays in Madrid's B team. A talented attacker, he bagged 5 goals during this summers European U-19 Championships for Spain, scoring the winner in the final. Last summer he was part of Jose Mourinho's 1st team squad during pre-season, but was then returned to the B team, so he obviously has potential. A move is no certainty, but Madrid would probably accept an offer in the region of £10m for the 19 year old, who is growing unsettled because of his lack of first team opportunities.

Ganso is set for a European move

22 year old Santos playmaker Ganso is also said to be of interest to the Gunners, who will be scouting him this evening (Friday) as he plays for the Brazil Olympic team against Aaron Ramsey's TeamGB in a friendly at the Riverside. The midfielder, who has 8 caps for Brazil, is set for a move away from his homeland after talks over a new contract broke down. AC Milan, Chelsea and Tottenham are also believed to be considering moves for the Brazilian, but the Daily Mail is reporting that Arsene Wenger is on the verge of sanctioning a £15m move for him.

The Gunners are also believed to have made a £9m offer for Brazilian attacking midfielder Paulinho. The Corinthians youngster turned in some impressive performances last season, earning himself a place in the Brazilian team of the year. A clever and creative player, Inter Milan are also reported to be interested in the 23 year old.

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Arsenal Announce Squad for Boreham Wood

Fresh from the 1st team, Olsson's now set for his Reserves debut

By Nick Lander

Arsenal have today revealed the squad that will be taken to Boreham Wood on Saturday (21st July) for the Reserves' first fixture of the new season (under the guise of an Arsenal XI). The game is a 3pm kick off, at Boreham Wood's Meadow Park.

Reserve team regulars Emi Martinez and Martin Angha are joined by the likes of Chuba Akpom and Kris Olsson, who are in line for their second string debuts - Olsson being fresh from debuting for the first team in the Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup last weekend.

Arsenal have performed well in these 'Arsenal XI' friendlies over recent seasons, a young side beat eventual League 1 play-off participants Stevenage 1-0 last summer, so Saturday's game should be an interesting affair.

The full squad is:

  Emi Martinez

  James Shea

  Martin Angha

  Daniel Boateng

  Sead Hajrovic

  Jernade Meade

  Elton Monteiro

  Kyle Ebecilio

  Samir Bihmoutine

  Josh Rees

  Jordan Wynter

  Phillip Roberts

  Hector Bellerin

  Kris Olsson

  Chuba Akpom

  Sanchez Watt

  Conor Henderson

  Thomas Eisfeld

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Vela in Sociedad Talks

By Nick Lander

Arsenal have confirmed that forward Carlos Vela is in Spain for talks with Real Sociedad over a permanent move to the La Liga club.

The Mexican spent the 2011/12 season on loan at Sociedad, enjoying a fruitful spell, in which he scored 12 goals from 35 appearances, including a spectacular bicycle kick against Malaga. The 23 year old is expected to sign for a reported £3m with a 50% sell on clause.

Signed in 2005, work permit issues meant that Vela had to go on loan, before going on to make 62 appearances for Arsenal following his debut back in 2008, scoring 11 goals - most of them chips! It is a move that Vela has been hankering after since the turn of the year, and it seems that after much arguing over money, the two clubs have come to an agreement. Expect the transfer to be complete by the end of the week.

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Holtby Speculation Resurfaces

By Nick Lander

There has been renewed speculation linking Schalke midfielder Lewis Holtby with a move to North London.

The 21 year old has just a year remaining on his current deal, and has not yet agreed an extension. The German (who is half-English) has been capped twice by Germany. A creative midfielder - who has been compared to Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil - has previously stated "my aim is to come to the Premier League" and it is understood that he would prefer to sign for either Arsenal or Everton, having grown up as a Toffees supporter.

MirrorFootball have suggested that Holtby could arrive in N5 as a Theo Walcott replacement, as speculation continues over his future, but that is one thing that the German hopes to avoid, he said, "I just want to focus on playing football. I like it at Schalke. I will give my best in training and the manager will decide if I am a first team player." It is believed that Arsenal are one of a host of clubs interested, including Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United.

With only a year to run on his current deal, and still largely unproven, a sub-£10m fee is probable and would represent very good value for whoever does manage to secure his services.

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Gunners Enter Milo Chase

Egyptian left-back Milo has claimed in an interview with FilGoal that he is being tracked by Arsenal. The 21 year old currently plays for Haras Al Hodood in his homeland, and is a part of the Egyptian football squad at the London Olympics. He says that "Arsenal officials have been following me since... 2009." When he impressed in the Toulon tournament in France, where he impressed Arsenal scouts again in the 2012 edition. He believes that "the Arsenal scouts will watch me closely at the London Olympics. My participation at London 2012 is what will determine my next step, and I hope to come to a European club."

SkySports claim that Lyon, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon all also have an interest and that the Gunners have made some form of approach to the youngster's club. A relative unknown, Milo is unlikely to carry a significant fee but could be a traditional Wenger signing - though the club already has good competition for the left-back role.

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Arsenal linked with Huntelaar move

Robin van Persie and his replacement?



By Nick Lander

Arsenal were today linked with a £17m move for Shalke and Netherlands striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Current Arsenal captain and talisman, Robin van Persie confirmed yesterday that he has no plans to extend his time in North London, and his Dutch teammate is an early suggestion as to who might replace him - assuming that they are not part of the squad already.

Caught Offside claim that Huntelaar has a £17m release clause, a figure which Arsenal would be capable of offering (if not overly willing to) in any move or the striker, if van Persie is sold for the £20m the club have apparently set as minimum price - an ambitious figure for someone who is already 28 years old.

With a staggering 52 goals from 67 appearances for club and country in 2011/12 Huntelaar is as prolific as van Persie, although playing in a marginally less competitive league. Huntelaar has been linked with Arsenal in the past, before he moved to Germany, during a largely fruitless spell with Real Madrid. The Dutchman also struggled with Milan in Italy before, but has set the Bundesliga alight, probably the league that is most comparable with the Premiership in Europe, Huntelaar has the assets to achieve in England.

Whilst it is more likely that Arsenal will opt not to sell a striker rather than bringing a  new one in if Robin van Persie does depart, Huntelaar is an extremely viable option if Arsene Wenger chooses to explore that avenue.

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Hull Close on Mannone Capture

Vito Mannone is set for a permanent move to Hull

By Nick Lander

Steve Bruce has confirmed that he plans to speak to Arsenal about taking Vito Mannone to Hull on a permanent basis. The Arsenal stopper has enjoyed two loan spells with the Tigers, in the second halves of seasons 2010/11 and 2011/12. The Italian amassed 23 appearances in amber and black in 11/12 and impressed then manager Nick Barmby greatly. His chances of a permanent move seemed to have vanished when Bruce replaced Barmby in June, but after Brad Guzan chose to stay on at Aston Villa, Hull are back in for the Arsenal 'keeper.

Speaking to the Hull Daily Mail, Bruce said "we'll speak with Mr Wenger... next week." The Gunners are believed to be after a fee of around £1m. Mannone would be the second goalkeeper to leave Arsenal this summer, following Manuel Almunia's release at the end of June. Lukasz Fabianski is also hankering after a transfer having made just five appearances in 2011/12, after compatriot Wojciech Szczesney usurped him as Arsenal's #1 the season before. Arsenal fans can reasonably expect to see at least one new goalkeeper join this summer, possibly Lyon's Hugo Lloris who has been heavily linked this week (though his club refute the claim that the Gunners have already bid for the French #1).

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Arsenal Duo Set for Loan Moves

By Nick Lander

Both Joel Campbell and Denilson are set to spend a second successive season away from the club.

Campbell enjoyed a fruitful loan spell in France with Ligue 1 side Lorient last season, where he found the net 4 times, despite being used mostly as a substitute (Lorient's top scored only bagged 6). He also broke into the senior Costa Rican squad with quite an impact, scoring 6 goals in 14 caps. Despite these successes, Campbell has again been refused a work permit, has has confirmed on his official Twitter account that he will be heading to Real Betis for a season, although he has since deleted the Tweet. He also told Fox TV that the move is a "great opportunity for [him] to grow." The Costa Rican is also hopeful of getting more game time than in France, saying, "I want to play. I want to show what I am capable of." With Robin van Persie set for the Arsenal exit door, Campbell could well have had an impact for Arsenal during 2012/13, but this loan move could open the door for Benik Afobe to increase his involvement in the first team, although he too is likely to head out on loan.

Arsenal were seeking to offload midfield flop Denilson in a permanent deal last summer, but could only manage to agree a season long loan back to his former club Sao Paulo. He has made 44 appearances for them in that time, getting sent off twice, but he did not manage to score. Arsenal had been trying to negotiate a permanent move at the end of his current spell, but Sao Paulo were unwilling to spend the £4m the Gunners were after, as well as Denilson's large wages. The clubs now seem set to agree a further 12 month loan with a permanent transfer looking unlikely. Arsenal may insert a clause stating that a certain number of appearances forces Sao Paulo to make the move permanent, but as Liverpool have found with Alberto Aquilani's loan moves over the last couple of seasons, that is still no real guarantee.

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Van Persie Rejects Arsenal - including club response

By Nick Lander

Robin van Persie has today confirmed that he will not be extending his stay at Arsenal, in a statement released through his official website.

Arsenal's Captain says that he has made his decision due to differing visions between himself and Arsene Wenger over how the club should move forward. He had a meeting with Wenger and Ivan Gazidis just before Euro 2012, based on which "it has again become clear to [him] that [they], in many aspects, disagree on the way Arsenal should move forward."

Van Persie has confirmed that he will have further meetings with Gazidis in the near future, but he will not sign a new deal, having "thought long and hard about it." The striker also says that he has not discussed a contract with the club "financial terms or a contract have not been discussed" as those are something which are "not [his] priority at all." His full statement is available here.

Arsenal could hold van Persie to his contract, but are likely then to miss out on receiving a transfer fee for the striker, although success in 2012/13 could convince him to extend his stay. Arsenal's other option is to sell him this summer. Manchester City are definitely interested and are believed to be considering a £20m, £200k per week offer. Abroad, Italian side Juventus have reportedly already tabled a miserly offer of £8m. It has also been suggested that Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested too.

The club has responded to their Captain's statement, saying that they "are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the Club." They go on to say that they are preparing for next season with "Arsenal's best interests in mind." A statement which does not really say anything, and which suggests that the Gunners' talismanic captain may be sold for the right price. The full statement can be found here.

For Arsenal fans, it will be a very bitter pill to swallow if van Persie opts to follow in the footsteps of Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri and join Premier League champions City, and if he does he is unlikely to be remembered with much fondness. The wounds caused by Samir Nasri's protracted transfer there last summer are still very fresh.

If he decides to move abroad, van Persie will be remembered more fondly, but a move to Serie A is likely to be seen as a step down, and neither Barcelona or Real Madrid have shown firm interest as yet. Were RVP to move to Catalonia, it would have to be questioned whether he could get into the Barcelona team on a regular basis - although the same was asked of Fabregas last summer and he has done alright.

What actually happens remains to be seen, but any move is unlikely to be made in the next couple of weeks, with van Persie, Wenger and Gazidis all still believed to be on holiday. After the debacle of last summer, Arsenal fans will be hoping that an outcome (whichever way it goes) is reached sooner, rather than later, enabling the club to get on with preparations for the new season without any uncertainty.

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Chelsea set to force Arsenal's hand



By Nick Lander



Is youngster Luke Shaw set for London?



It has been reported that Chelsea are on the brink of making a £4m bid for Southampton youngster Luke Shaw. Valued somewhere in the region of £8m, the Champions League holders would be bidding below the price the Saints will be willing to sell at.



The 16 year old left back made has only made one senior appearance, as a substitute in the FA Cup. Southampton describe him as talented at taking set pieces, and as an "attacking" full back. Capped at Under-16 level by England, Shaw is a bright prospect, and with the left back slot at Arsenal far from certain, it is expected that they too will be involved in the bidding. The Gunners have an established relationship with Southampton and have a much better track record of giving young players opportunities, factors which may count in their favour with both player and club.

Shaw cannot sign a professional contract until July 12th and it is expected that the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea will start proceedings at that juncture.

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