Could Fabregas be set for Gunners return?

 



By Nick Lander

 

Cesc Fabregas' Barcelona future has become the subject of intense speculation over the past few days, with new Manchester United boss David Moyes said to have made him one of his top priorities.

 

Any possible move from Barcelona for the former Gunners captain is made significantly more complicated by the terms of his move to the Camp Nou in August 2011. It is understood that Arsenal inserted clauses in the deal to have first option were he to move on from Barcelona and also a sell-on clause of 50%.

 

As a part of the first option, or buy-back, clause, it is understood that Arsenal agreed a fee of between £20-25m to buy him back. Combined with the 50% sell-on fee this means that it would be difficult for Barcelona to sell Fabregas to anyone other than the Gunners. Having paid somewhere in the region of £35m to secure his signature two years ago, Barca must sell to the likes of Manchester United at £70m to even be able to break even, let alone make any sort of profit.

 

Since the 26-year-old left, Arsenal have signed midfielders Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla, which could have an impact on Arsenal's desire to sign the Spaniard. However, it was heavily rumoured that Wenger made a £30m move for Borussia Dortmund's (or should that be Bayern Munich's) Mario Götze back in January, so the club's desire to sign another midfielder (of an attacking mindset) is evident, despite those already at the club.

It has been reported by some reliable sources on Twitter have said that Arsene Wenger and his staff are working on a deal to bring Fabregas back to Arsenal. Because of the player already at the club and because of the clauses in place, any deal is likely to be highly complex and will take time to complete.

 

The Catalan club are also believe to still owe Arsenal £10m for the transfer of Alex Song last summer. This could mean that Arsenal would be able to resign their former talisman for less than £15m over the summer, and were he to re-join, Fabregas would surely remain with the Gunners for the rest of his career.

 

He is due to hold talks with Barcelona officials next couple of weeks with regards to his future, following the conclusion of the Spanish league season.

 

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Park Joins Celta Vigo

 

By Nick Lander

 

South Korean striker Park Ju-Young has joined La Liga side Celta Vigo on a season long loan, with a view to a permanent move next summer. He will be presented at 17:00 local time.

 

Park will join up with the Spanish club fresh from winning the bronze medal in the men's football with South Korea at the London 2012 Olympics. Celta Vigo describe him as "a player of extraordinary talent."

 

An Arsenal flop, with just one goal in the League Cup and one, substitute, Premier League appearance, Park is one of a number of players expected to depart the club today, with Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner understood to be close to leaving the club on loan too.

 

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Song on Verge of Barca Move

By Nick Lander

Cameroonian midfielder Alex Song would appear to be on the verge of a move to Spanish giants Barcelona. The holding midfielder has three years left on his contract, but Arsenal seem to have decided to sell him anyway.

Barcelona's interest has been public for the last couple of weeks, but because of the length of time left on his contract, Arsenal had been seen to be in a strong position, with little inclination to sell. However, Song's agent has reportedly infuriated the club by touting his client around the top clubs in Europe, and there has been some speculation that the club have been having some issues with the player over his attitude.

Other sources have been saying that Arsenal do in fact want to keep Song, but he has had his head turned by Barcelona's interest and that the Arsenal hierarchy just are not interested in yet another transfer saga, so will be naming their price.

In his press conference this morning, Arsene Wenger did little to dispel rumours that another of his star performers from last season could be set for pastures new. He said, "both [Song leaving and new signings] could happen. I don't know [about Song] at the moment.

"This decision [on Song] is not made. No [bid has been made]. I cannot tell you more."

Strong speculation has emerged this evening that Barcelona have successfully negotiated a £20m fee for the 24-year-old and that the Gunners will make a formal announcement that he has left the club by Monday. Spanish paper El Mundo Deportivo are reporting that the Catalans will be announcing his signing in a matter of hours, after the clubs agreed a fee of €20m (£15.7m) - although, as I said, British sources are suggesting a figure of £20m.

If Song does depart, Arsenal will be almost certain to strengthen, with Turk Nuri Sahin, 23, a likely arrival, on a season-long loan from Real Madrid. It had not been clear if Arsenal's move for Sahin was linked with Alex Song's future, but that does now seem the case (although I personally feel it's totally unrelated), with Sahin said to be stalling on a loan move to Liverpool so he can join the Gunners instead.

Another thing that was mentioned by Wenger during the questioning over Song's future, is that he now sees Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a centre midfielder, rather than playing a wide role as he did last season, "Oxlade-Chamberlain now plays centre midfield - this is an area we have more freedom to make decisions."

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Tello on Arsenal Radar?

By Nick Lander

Arsenal could be set to move for Barcelona starlet Cristian Tello after he was overlooked by new manager Tito Vilanova. The winger featured 22 times last season under Pep Guardiola and impressed. The former Espanyol player has not even been given a squad number now Vilanova has taken over, whilst some other, younger products of Barca's famous La Masia academy have.

Tello was part of the Spanish Olympic team that fell at the group stages this summer and will be disappointed to find, on his return to Spain, that his short term Barcelona future looks bleak. Athletico Madrid are believed to be considering a loan offer for the 20 year old, however, both Arsenal and Liverpool have monitored the youngster in the past, and may now make a move for a player who will clearly be upset to be overlooked.

Possibly available for less than £10m, Tello would be a real steal, he is definitely a future star. Arsenal already have a number of players in the wide positions, but the chance to snap up Tello for a bargain price may be an opportunity that is too good to refuse.

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La Liga Duo Set for Arsenal - Plus RVP Latest

Sahin is said to be set for a season-long loan in N5

By Nick Lander

Santi Cazorla is widely expected to be confirmed as an Arsenal player in the next couple of days - possibly even later this evening (Thursday). The Spanish international is set to leave Malaga's financial difficulties behind and join Arsenal on a 4 year, £70,000 per week deal. There are still large discrepancies in the reporting of his transfer fee, but it is probably €16m or £12.5m which is an absolute bargain - though the fee could be as high as €24m.

The attacking midfielder missed training today, with his club's permission, and is understood to be scheduled for an Arsenal today. A player who's creativity has been compared to former Gunner Cesc Fabregas' Cazorla's signature will be a very shrewd piece of business from Arsene Wenger, who will have secured a fantastic player for a reasonable price - something which is increasingly difficult in today's market.

Another player who is set to move to Arsenal is Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin. Despite Wenger outright denying it in his final Asia Tour press conference, the Turkish midfielder is reported to be on the verge of securing a season-long loan spell in North London. The talented midfielder has struggled for game time in the Spanish capital, following his move from Borussia Dortmund last summer, partially through injury.

With Jack Wilshere unlikely to return until October at the earliest, Sahin would effectively be signed as cover for the Englishman. The Gunners will also be missing Tomas Rosicky from their midfield at the start of the season, and doubts over Abou Diaby's ability to stay fit for an extended period of time still linger.

Some quarters of the media have begun to suggest that Wenger's recent activity in the transfer market has begun to change Robin van Persie's mind about leaving the club. The striker is understood to prefer a move abroad, rather than to either of the Manchester clubs, but Juventus are the only foreign side to have placed a bid and their manager, Antonio Conte, is facing a lengthy suspension after being found to have played a part in the latest match fixing scandal to blight Italian football, whilst with previous club Siena. Van Persie publicly expressed this intentions to snub a new Arsenal deal at the beginning of July. It has now been suggested that the mood of the entire Arsenal squad has lifted with the imminent arrival of Cazorla and that van Persie is seriously considering a U-turn.

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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'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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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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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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