Arsenal closing in on Coventry defender

Arsenal are ready to make a �2.5million bid for Coventry defender Calum Davenport, according to The Mirror.

Arsene Wenger watched the 19-year-old centre-back during a reserve game in which Tony Adams made a comeback from injury.

The newspaper reports that a deal is close to being completed.

Gunners snap up African ace

Arsenal have completed the signing of versatile young Ivory Coast trialist Kolo Abib Toure from Asec Mimosas for an undisclosed fee. The 20-year-old African can play as either a right-sided defender or a midfielder and has been on trial at Highbury for a short period, impressing Arsene Wenger whilst in London.

Toure is an international with the Ivory Coast and is assured of a work permit having played in more than three quarters of his country's games in the last year. He has signed a long-term deal with Arsenal and has been awarded the number 28 shirt.

Toure has already turned out for his new team, having featured in the reserve win over West Ham on Tuesday night, playing the full 90 minutes for Eddie Niedzwiecki's side. He joins fellow Africans Lauren (Cameroon) and Kanu (Nigeria) at the club.

Arsenal step up their interest in Mark van Bommel

LONDON, February 11 (DS) - Arsenal FC have stepped up their interest in Holland's J15 million rated midfield star Mark van Bommel, the Evening Standard stated. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has had the PSV Eindhoven central midfielder watched in every game he has played this season, either by one of his top scouts from England or by using trusted representatives in Holland.

Van Bommel is likely to replace midfielder Patrick Vieira if he leaves Highbury at the end of the season.

Van Bommel looks certain to play against England in Amsterdam on Wednesday night when a posse of scouts from other top English and European clubs will also be present. He shot to international prominence last summer when he scored a spectacular goal in the 2-0 defeat of England at White Hart Lane in August. German and Italian clubs have declared their interest in the PSV captain, but he is likely to move to England. Leeds, who will play PSV in the next stage of the UEFA Cup, are also interested in the former Fortuna Sittard player.

Arsenal have also regularly assessed the form of van Bommel's PSV team-mate, central defender Kevin Hofland, who will miss Wednesday's match through injury. But Hofland looks destined for a summer switch to Manchester United FC now that Sir Alex Ferguson has decided to stay at United.

Wenger denies Rebrov reports

ARSENE WENGER has insisted he is more than happy with his current squad, following media reports that he is keen to sign Tottenham striker Sergei Rebrov.

Although Wenger admits that he rates Rebrov highly, the Frenchman says he does not need any more firepower.

"I was interested in Rebrov before he went to Tottenham but we already have five top-class strikers and we also have other youngsters like Jermaine Pennant and Jeremie Aliadiere as back-up," Wenger said.

"We are concentrating on the winning the championship, not on buying players," he added.

Rebrov's claims have also been dismissed by his own agent who confirmed that no talks have taken place with Arsenal.

"Sergei is an excellent player but there has been no discussions between the player and Arsenal," revealed Rebrov's representative Sandor Vargas.

"I am not working on getting him a move away because I don't have the green light from Tottenham Hotspur so it's up to the club and until then we won't do anything."

Gunners chasing new Maradona

Arsenal have joined the hunt for Argentine youngster Andres D'Alessandro, according to The Sun.

The Gunners join Manchester United and Juventus in the chase for the �16 million-rated player.

The River Plate star, dubbed the 'New Maradona', was turned down by West Ham three years ago for being too small.

Larsson to Arsenal?

The rumour factory is in full flow. First Mjallby to West Ham and now Henrik to Arsenal. The English Daily Express today ran an article stating that Arsenal will use a slice of the money from the expected �50m sale of Patrick Viera to sign Henrik Larsson.

The paper claims that in the summer Henrik was Arsenals first-choice strike target ahead of Sunderland's Kevin Phillips and eventual signing Francis Jeffers in the summer.

Whilst this could probably be true as every club would like a player like Henrik it has to be noted that Henrik has as much chance as the SPL title of leaving Paradise in the summer.

Wonder how long it will take the Daily Ranger or the Hun to get their dirty little paws on this story and splash it over the back page...?

Meanwhile Johan Mjallby shot down reports linking him to Premiership strugglers West Ham United.

Mark van Bommel eager to join Arsenal

PSV Eindhoven star Mark van Bommel, who was awarded the prize for best player in the 2000/01 Dutch season yesterday, has told friends he is set to join Arsenal FC as Patrick Vieira's midfield replacement, the Sun reported. The Eindhoven ace has signed with Rob Jansen, the agent who took Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars to Highbury.

Van Bommel joins Dennis Bergkamp as the only player to win the title of player of the Dutch season after previously having held the award of talent of the year, for the best young player.

Van Bommel is top of Arsenal's summer shopping list, and the player is sure he will join the Gunners in the summer after rejecting inquiries from Manchester United.

The 24-year-old midfielder first attracted Wenger's attention after Holland's match against England last August. He told friends in Holland he will reject the Red Devils for Arsenal because Vieira will not be around to block his progress. However, Arsene Wenger insists they have no intention of selling the Frenchman.

Rotevatn's Arsenal trial

Arsenal have taken goalkeeper Anders Rotevatn on a week's trial from Norwegian side Stabaek. The 24-year-old has been given permission to leave Stabaek, according to the club's administrator Tom Schelvan.

"This is a big opportunity that we want Anders to take," said Schelvan.

"It's a signal that bigger clubs in Europe are following what happens here and it's a pleasant signal to receive."

Arsenal currently have England goalkeepers David Seaman and Richard Wright on their books, plus England Under-21 international Stuart Taylor.

They also sent Austrian Alex Manninger on a season-long loan to Fiorentina in the summer.

Six years ago Schelvan had trials with Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Arsenal talk tough on Vieira but will �50m persuade them to deal?

'Hola!' was the greeting of the week down at the Arsenal training ground. Footballers never being shy of indulging in a little mocking banter, Patrick Vieira's team-mates were more than happy to try out their best holiday Spanish after news filtered back of his chosen day-off destination. Seems the mood among the squad has not been particularly darkened by the sticky re-opening of the Arsenal-versus-Vieira's-agent case that caused such grief throughout last summer. Humour aside, and exasperated as the club are by the return of an unwelcome and irritating buzz that they hoped had been swatted away when all the close-season overtures came to nothing, the fundamental reaction to this recurring saga is one of tedium. 'We have seen this film before,' as one official said. And they have no great desire to sit through it again. But endure it they must. Once again Arsenal have to steel themselves for another act of obstinate resistance if they are to retain their most prized possession for the long term.

It is set to be an intriguing battle of wills between, on one side, David Dein and Ars�ne Wenger, whose hard-ball tactics last time around won them a remarkable triumph against the power of the persuasive agent and the pull of mountains of money, and, on the other, Real Madrid's president, Florentino Perez - he of the megalomaniac's approach to getting his man. The seemingly impossible transfer of Luis Figo from Barcelona is used as the best exam ple of how he goes about his business. Not many presidents would offer $4 million simply for a statement of intent that a player wished to join his club. Perez did. Given that his promise to deliver Figo was central to his bid for control at the club, he wooed the Portuguese star with a mighty cheque, which was his to keep whether Perez was voted in or not. Figo duly expressed his desire to join Real, Perez won the presidency, and everyone except for Barcelona was doing very nicely thank you. That's some way to operate.

Sources close to Real believe Vieira's transfer is a fait accompli , most probably to be concluded at the end of the season. So convinced are they, the club are not far off printing up the white jerseys bearing the name of the man from Senegal.

The plot thickens, though, when you consider how Arsenal transmit their belief that Vieira goes nowhere with equally iron certainty. As the scribes assembled at their Hertfordshire HQ, trying to chip away at Wenger in the vain hope that he might let something - anything - slip to fan the flames, the Frenchman was in brilliant form as he batted every query away...

Question: Because it's Real Madrid and they always get their man, does it make them a more serious challenge than Juventus or Manchester United?

Wenger: No. Real Madrid is a big fish but we want to keep our best players as I've said many times. It's not more serious at all. If they go on spending money as they have in the past they might have nothing left.

Question: But what about Figo, which seemed impossible, and Zinedine Zidane?

Wenger: That's different, because Figo had a [get-out] clause. Zidane is a dif ferent story. He was 29 years old, and Juventus got �50 million for him at the last moment. They could sell Zidane for such a price. That means Juventus was a seller. We are not. Believe me. [Uttered with the steeliest of stares.]

Question: Have you had any assurances from Patrick?

Wenger: Why should he? He has two more years on his contract.

Question: Would it destroy your planning if he were to go?

Wenger: Simply, he will not go.

Question: But �50 million is a lot of money for anyone. Surely your board, if offered it, would have to take it?

Wenger: I hope you never run the club! After two years I would have no players! I don't think they would take any amount of money. What is a bank full of money if you have no team?

Question: So, coming back from the World Cup you expect all your players to be here?

Wenger: Exactly. We're the biggest club in the world, you just don't know it yet...

Exit Wenger, stage left, accompanied by the sound of ribald laughter.

Sadly, football, unlike other major industries, still indulges protagonists in major issues by allowing them to hide. A word from Vieira would have been the best way to put an end to the speculation. Instead it was left to Wenger. The unerring confidence with which the Frenchman defused a simmering situation suggests that Real, for all their seductive millions and prestige, will not easily win this one.

Dein and Wenger, who viewed their previous battle as some sort of moral crusade, are in similar mood again. The comparison with the Nicolas Anelka experience is also a valid reference point. By refusing to cede to the player and the buying club ganging up on them until the point of no return, they pushed up the price to the maximum. Are they engaging in the same tactics again here?

After all, reality will bite eventually. They must confront the inevitability that it is when, and not if, their most valuable asset departs. Admirable as it is to insist Vieira sees out his contract, they would be negligent if they were to insist also that he see out his current deal to completion and let him leave on a Bosman. After all, the �50m fee being bandied about equates to a quarter of the budget for their new stadium at Ashburton Grove.

As long as Arsenal cash in when the time is right for them, and not necessarily the player or Real Madrid, they can have few complaints about selling a player they bought for �4m and who served them stupendously for what will be six seasons come the World Cup - the time Vieira himself indicated he would like to make a decision on his future. In the meantime, the best they can hope is for the Frenchman to give his all, and not perform as if he has pastures fresh in his mind, as seemed to be the case in a flat display against Liverpool last Sunday. The day before he jetted off to Spain, incidentally.

Perhaps the most sinister undercurrent to the whole affair is that although Vieira and Real insist there was no contact made during the player's city break in the Spanish capital, the fact representatives of the two parties were in the same city at the same time is the illest of winds for football. It is an increasing trend these days, a club using a consultant of their own to negotiate with a player's agent in order to skate around accusations of an illegal approach.

Real may have tried to avoid any finger pointing by sending a letter of appeasement to Arsenal, but nobody is fooled that if - as the rumours suggest - their man, Santos Marquez, and Vieira's deal maker, Marc Roger, met for a rendezvous they were talking about the weather.

The flames may have been dampened for a while, but it is only a matter of time before they flare again.

Some day I'll fly away

The Spanish sports paper Marca reported a 'conversation' between Patrick Vieira and the pilot who flew him to Madrid.

Pilot: Se�or Vieira: I've read that you could sign for Madrid, is it true?

Vieira: We'll see.

Pilot: They say that Zidane is keen to have you as a team-mate.

Vieira: Zidane is my friend, and a better footballer than me.

Pilot: Its been a pleasure to talk to you, I hope we see each other again.

Vieira: Could be. Next week I'm coming back to Madrid

Frings in Arsenal talks

Premiership title hopefuls Arsenal have joined the race to sign Werder Bremen's Torsten Frings.

The German midfielder, also reportedly wanted by Bayer Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin, has refused to commit himself to Werder.

The 25-year-old has impressed in his attacking role this season and has previously played for Germany's `B' team.

Although he is unlikely to move in the Bundesliga's winter break, which continues until the final weekend of January, Frings has confirmed Arsenal want him.

'Yes, Arsenal have been in touch with my agent Norbert Pflippen,' he told German newspaper Bild.

'There will be talks in the near future. I feel at home in Bremen, but I can't say for sure that I will play for Werder next season.'

Whitton signs Arsenal youngster

Colchester United have made up for the collapse of the deal to sign Liam George from Luton Town by snapping up Arsenal youngster Graham Barrett on a month's loan.

The signing of Cardiff City forward Kevin Nugent also failed to materialise, leaving Steve Whitton to turn to Barrett.

The 20-year-old Dubliner has found it difficult to break into the Gunners' first team and has spent spells with Bristol Rovers and Crewe Alexandra in a bid to gain experience.

U's boss Whitton was delighted to add Barrett to his squad, telling the club's official website: "After Liam fell through and the Nugent deal collapsed, it was important to get somebody in.

"I've been following Graham for a couple of months now and I've really liked what I've seen.

"We've taken him for a month's loan at first, and then depending on how things go, we might extend the deal."

Arsenal youngster arrives Colchester.

Arsenal's young striker Graham Barrett has joined The U's on a month's loan and could make his debut against Peterborough today.
The 19-year-old Irish attacker has already been on a temporary spell with Crewe in Division One this season, and will now try his hand at a lower level. Steve Whitton has been chasing the youngster for several months and finally landed his man in time for the clash with Posh.
Barrett will be at Layer Road for at least a month, but should he impress he is likely to be offered an extended stay.

Arsenal hunt Boca goalkeeper Cordoba

Arsenal want Boca Juniors goalkeeper Oscar Cordoba.

The Colombian goalkeeper is rated at �3.5 million by the Buenos Aires club who had interest from Aston Villa earlier this year.

Arsenal have contacted Boca president Mauricio Macri over Cordoba and the players says:
"It is possible that I may play in Europe soon."
Arsenal want Cordoba as an experienced replacement for both injured veteran David Seaman and �6 million summer signing Richard Wright. Third-choice goalkeeper Stuart Taylor is currently deputising in the Arsenal goal with Seaman heading for retirement next year.

Arsenal to sign Nino Gomes

Arsenal are set to sign Portuguese international Nuno Gomes next month.

Fiorentina are ready to sell Gomes for �7 million to help ease their financial problems and Benfica - who led the chase to sign the player - have admitted that Arsenal are the new favourites to sign the 25 year old.

Arsenal want to create a more attacking midfield with summer signing Giovanni van Bronckhorst struggling badly and Gomes is seen as the creative player to help support their attack.

Wenger still keeps Arsenal guessing

Arsene Wenger admits there is a secret reason why he has not yet signed the new contract that is on the table for him at Arsenal.

But he says it could all be "sorted out" out next week.

Wenger's insistence that it is just a matter of time before he puts his name to a new deal that would tie him to Highbury for at least three more years, is wearing thin.

The feeling is growing that he will be off at the end of the season, when his current contract expires, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich among his likely destinations.

But the Frenchman is adamant there is no major stumbling block in the way of the new agreement Arsenal desperately want him to sign.

He said: "There is a break coming up next week for international fixtures to be played and that would be a good time to sort it out.

"There is a reason why it has not been done yet. It is a personal matter of small details which I cannot give out, but all the other things that people have been saying about it being linked with us building a new ground, our youth policy or the future structure of the club are all not true.

"It is still more about timing than anything else. I said at the end of last season I would sign before the start of the new one. But I was wrong to say that and since then I have not given out a definite new time when I will sign because so many things have got in the way.

"We've tried many times to set a date to do it but then I find I am busy every day. I have had to say I can't do it because I'm away travelling Sunday and Monday to watch a player, Tuesday there is a match, Wednesday I put all my meetings together and so on.

"But I think now it could be sorted out during the international break. Signed? I don't know. Let's just say sorted out. Certainly I have no problem with the financial terms that are being offered. I'm very comfortable with that."

Gunners set sights on Aussie Emerton

Arsenal are again setting their sights on talented young Aussie Brett Emerton, with Gunners manager Arsene Wenger ready to step in and lure the defender away from Feyenoord.

Emerton, who has been capped 17 times by the Socceroos and scored one of Australia's goals against Scotland at Hampden, was off the market as long as the Dutch giants were involved in Champions League duty.

But after being dumped out of the lucrative European competition midweek, the Rotterdam club could be tempted to cash in on the 6-million-poundmillion dollars) rated defender as Wenger seeks to eventually replace 35-year-old Tony Adams and sidekick Martin Keown, 35.

Arsenal had an offer for 22-year-old Emerton turned down earlier this season.

Bees sign Arsenal midfielder

Arsenal teenager Steven Sidwell has signed for second division leaders Brentford on loan.

The 18-year-old Gunners midfielder will act as cover for injured captain Paul Evans and will make his debut against Bury on Tuesday night.

Evans will be out of action for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury and Sidwell, who has already earned a reputation as an attacking midfield player, is highly-rated by the Premiership outfit and is seen as an excellent stand-in by the Bees boss Steve Coppell.

Meanwhile, Martin Rowlands is back in the squad after serving a three-match suspension.

Youngster to Brentford on loan

Arsenal's 19 year old midfielder Steven Sidwell has gone on loan to high-flying Brentford, currently top of Division 2 despite serious questions about their future. Sidwell will spend a month at Griffin Park, and could make his debut on Tuesday against Bury.

Leeds target Parlour

Leeds United are pondering a �6m move for unsettled Arsenal midfield man Ray Parlour. England star Parlour, 28, is unhappy after being sidelined for games by Highbury boss Arsene Wenger's squad rotation policy.

And he has hinted he will quit Arsenal if he fails to get a slice of regular first team action.

Leeds boss David O'Leary - linked once again with Liverpool's Robbie Fowler - has admitted he is now on the lookout for re-inforcements.

And O'Leary has made a right sided midfield man a priority, with hopes of signing Newcastle United's Kieron Dyer fading.

Leeds had been linked with PSV Eindhoven's Mark Van Bommel, but the Dutch side are demanding �15m.

Parlour could be a more sensible financial alternative, with the added attraction of proven Premiership pedigree at Arsenal.

West Ham have also been linked with a move for Parlour.

Gunners hunt French starlet

Arsenal are looking to extend their French connection by luring Rennes young star Anthony Reveillere. The right back is has played for the French Under-21 team and is considered one of the most promising young defenders in the country.

Reveillere has already attracted a great deal of attention and Real Madrid have also apparently singled him out.

The French club's general manager, Gerard Lefillatre has confirmed interest from Real and Arsenal.

Arsenal lend Tavlaridis to hapless Beveren

Arsenal have stepped up their "special relationship" with Beveren by loaning out Greek star Efstathios Tavlaridis until the end of the season.

He joins fellow Gunners David Grondin and Tomas Danilevicius at the Belgian side, who remain rooted to the bottom of the Jupiler League after a humiliating home defeat by Lommelse at the weekend.

Fans called for coach Emilio Ferrera to be reinstated as their side capitulated. The popular manager was fired last week by technical chief and main benefactor Jean-Marc Guillou, who has taken charge of the side himself.

Guillou promised improved links with Arsenal when he took the reins and appears to have been as good as his word with the signing of Tavlaridis, who cost Arsenal �600,000 from Iraklis last week.

The new boss does not have the support of the fans, though, who displayed banners protesting at Beveren's internal strife throughout the Lommelse 2-0 reverse.

Guillou claimed afterwards that it was never his intention to become coach. "I did not want to be manager, but Beveren could not afford to appoint anyone else," he said.

"My coaching career has been over for a long time, but this was an emergency. It is certainly not the intention that I will stay here as coach for a long time. We will see what future brings."

Guillou added that he did not have anything personal against Ferreira. "We had a difference of opinion on technical football matters and one of us had to go," he said.

Saints linked with Upson raid

Southampton are being tipped to make a move for Matthew Upson after the centre-back hinted that he may soon be leaving The Gunners.

The player's agent has hinted that the England Under-21 international is unhappy with his lack of first-team action at Highbury and may soon be heading elsewhere.

Upson has struggled to overcome injuries since joining The Gunners from Luton Town in 1997 and, despite now reaching full fitness, he faces a tough battle to win a place in the heart of Arsenal's rearguard with Tony Adams, Sol Campbell and Martin Keown.

And, following his failure to start Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Bolton after being overlooked for an 80 per cent fit Adams, the defender revealed he is becoming disillusioned with life at Highbury.

"Eventually you get to the stage where, what you have learned over the past four years, you want to put it into practice," Upson said.

"You like to be involved and I need to get playing."

Saints are seeking a replacement for former captain Dean Richards, who last week completed his �8.1million move to Tottenham and, although they have yet to confirm or deny any interest in Upson, the player's agent believes a move may be imminent.

The defender is a regular in the England Under-21 squad, but agent Barry Neville believes he may well miss their clash with Greece due to other arrangements.

"I am not sure whether he will be joining the squad in Greece because he may be at another club," Neville said.

"Matthew has only played 80 minutes of reserve-team football this season and it's simply not enough."

ARSENAL SIGN GREEK DEFENDER

Arsenal have completed the signing of Greece under-21 international defender Stathis Tavlaridis from FC Iraklis for an undisclosed fee.

A statement on the Gunners' official website confirmed that Tavlaridis, who had been on trial at Highbury, has completed a permanent move.

The deal for the 21-year-old centre-half comes at an opportune time for Arsenal, who currently have skipper Tony Adams and Sol Campbell sidelined through injury.

Tavlaridis will not be available for Champions League fixtures until the new year, should Arsenal make the second stage of the competition.

Tomas sold

Lithuanian striker Tomas Danileviius has been sold to Belgian First Division club KSK Beveren after a successful loan spell. The 23-year-old made 3 appearances for Arsenal since joining in December 2000 but will be most remembered for Greek passport he holds, which was earlier thought to be a fake.

Manninger loaned to Italian club

Alex Manninger has gone on loan to Fiorentina for the season with the view to a permanent move.
Alex has been with Arsenal since June 1997 but has found his first-team chances limited by the continuing outstanding form of David Seaman.
He made 13 first team appearances for the Gunners last season, including two games in the Champions League.
We wish him the best of luck this forthcoming season in Italy.

Mendez loaned to Spanish club

German midfielder Alberto Mendez has joined Spanish team Racing Club de Ferrol on loan for one season.
Alberto was a regular in the Reserves last season, scoring in the games against Charlton and Spurs.
We wish him the best of luck this forthcoming season in Spain.

MANNINGER SET FOR FIORENTINA SWITCH

Fiorentina are on the verge of snapping up Arsenal reserve goalkeeper Alex Manninger as a replacement for Francesco Toldo.
Toldo left for Inter Milan last month and the cash-strapped Viola have been searching for a new custodian since to compete with veteran Guiseppe Taglialatela.
But the wait appears to be over with Austrian international Manninger flying to Italy on Tuesday to undergo a medical.
"I don't know him very well although I played against him once when Arsenal took on Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico," Fiorentina coach Roberto Mancini admitted on Channel Four's Football Italia website.
"The important thing is to have two good goalkeepers."
Manninger, 24, has dropped to third choice at Highbury behind England number one David Seaman and recent �6million signing Richard Wright.
He deputised for the injured Seaman on 13 occasions last season but has seen his first-team opportunities limited, featuring only 63 times since signing from Casino Graz in June 1997.

Inamoto ready to face the Premiership.

JUNICHI INAMOTO has finally signed for Arsenal and insisted that he is ready for the challenge of the Premiership.
The 21-year-old midfield player agreed in principle to the move from Gamba Osaka last month, but had to wait until the mid-way point of the J-League season to finalise the deal.
Inamoto, who has already played 21 times for Japan, believes he can cope with the English style of play, although he admits that it will be strange at first.
"I have watched the Premier League from Japan and obviously I know that it is very physical," he said.
"But is also high quality and I believe I have the qualities to make it over here.
"I feel that if I play in the same kind of what that I have been for Japan, then people will take to me in England.
"I have never lived or played abroad before and although it is a big challenge, it is very exciting and it is something that I am really looking forward to," he added.
"I realise that it might not be easy at first to get used to everything, but I think that I have the ability to settle down and do well."
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was delighted to finally secure Inamoto's signature after tracking the youngster for more than two years.
And having watched the international during the Confederations Cup over the summer he was determined to swoop, despite the massive adaptation that Inamoto will have to make to life and football in England.
"I have followed Inamoto for two and a half years," Wenger revealed. "I first heard about him when I was just leaving Japan and then there was a French manager at his club Gamba Osaka who I spoke with.
"I also talked to Frenchman Philippe Troussier who is the Japanese manager, but I watched him for myself throughout the Confederations Cup.
"From being in Japan I know that it will not be easy to adapt and that at first things will be very strange.
"But I believe he is an intelligent player and also one of the ones from Japan who has the physical strength to cope with the English Premiership."
Inamoto will wear the number 19 shirt next season and travels out with the rest of the squad for the pre-season trip to Austria.

Arsenal Targets Guardiola, Express Says: Soccer Roundup

London, July 20 (Bloomberg) -- Arsenal targeted Spanish midfielder Josep Guardiola, who is available on a free transfer from Barcelona, the Express and the Star said.
The 30-year-old Spaniard, who's played 43 times for his country, is also wanted by London rivals Tottenham and West Ham, the papers said. Arsenal will offer Guardiola 40,000 pounds-a-week ($57,000) to replace Patrick Vieira if the Frenchman leaves, the Star added.
The Mail and the Guardian said Vieira's agent Marc Roger is to meet Real Madrid officials to discuss a transfer. Arsenal has not sanctioned the talks, according to the Guardian.
Real is ready to pay 20 million pounds for Vieira and offer several players including England winger Steve McManaman, the Mail added.
Borussia Monchengladbach is refusing to pay Arsenal's 3 million-pound asking price for Austrian goalkeeper Alex Manninger, the Sun said. The German club wanted the 24-year-old on loan but Arsenal wants to recoup some of the 22.5 million pounds it spent on new players since last season.
In other reports, Liverpool is set to bid 6 million pounds for Feyenoord's Australian midfielder Brett Emerton, according to the Independent and the Mirror.
Blackburn had a 5 million-pound offer for Emerton rejected this week, while Leeds and Middlesbrough are also interested, the Independent said.
Middlesbrough is in talks with Manchester United midfielders Jonathan Greening and Mark Wilson, the same papers reported. The 22-year-olds, valued at a combined fee of 4 million pounds, want first-team football, the Mirror added.
West Ham renewed its interest in Viking Stavanger's Finnish defender Hannu Tihinen, the Sun reported. The Hammers will not pay more than 2 million pounds for the 25-year-old, who played 10 matches on loan last season, the Sun added.
Fulham targeted Lyon's attacking midfielder Steed Malbranque, according to the Express. The 21-year-old has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for 4.5 million pounds, the paper added.
Watford is interested in Kaiserslautern's Albanian striker Igli Tare, the Sun said. The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at Brescia, but the Italian club claims to hold the player's registration, the paper added.
Wimbledon is set to bid 1.5 million pounds for Portsmouth defender Darren Moore, 27, the Express reported.
Huddersfield offered a trial to winger Nicky Summerbee, released by Bolton at the end of last season, according to the Sun.
Finally, Norwich is set to sign Tranmere forward Andy Parkinson, 22, for 500,000 pounds, the Independent reported.

Wenger linked with �10m Macca

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is lining up a �10m bid for Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman, according to reports in The Sun.
McManaman, who joined the Bernabeu club from Liverpool two years ago on a free transfer, is regarded by Wenger as the final part of his summer rebuilding programme.
The Arsenal boss has always admired the 29-year-old England international who has helped Real win the Champions League and the Spanish championship in the last two seasons.
However, McManaman has made no secret of the fact he wants to continue playing on the continent despite Real's desire to bring in a number of new faces, including Zinedine Zidane and Flavio Conceicao.
The Gunners have already invested heavily in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Sol Campbell, Francis Jeffers, Richard Wright and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
But Wenger believes he can cash in on the Madrid club's ambitious spending spree by persuading Macca to return to the Premiership.

Arsenal close to signing Inamoto, says Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is aiming to sign Japan international midfielder Junichi Inamoto from J-League club Gamba Osaka, he said on Thursday. "We are very close to agreeing a deal," Wenger told reporters at a news conference.
Inamoto was one of a handful of Japanese players who had "impressed" Wenger when the Frenchman was in Japan last month working as a television analyst during the Confederations Cup. Wenger is a former manager of Nagoya Grampus Eight and has kept in close contact with Japanese football since taking over as Arsenal manager in 1996.
Arsenal on Thursday signed goalkeeper Richard Wright from Ipswich Town, to add to recent deals that have seen Francis Jeffers, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Sol Campbell join the club.

VIEIRA GOING NOWHERE

Arsene Wenger insists Patrick Vieira is staying at Arsenal.
The France midfielder was reported to be on the verge of quitting Highbury, but his manager has rubbished the rumours.
Wenger insists none of the quotes attributed to Vieira came from the player and as he unveiled the surprise signing of Sol Campbell, gave Gunners fans more good news.
Wenger said: "I want to be very clear that I am confident he will be an Arsenal player next season.
"The words he is supposed to have said about wanting to leave Arsenal because we are not good enough for him have not come from his mouth.
"Not one word. He confirmed that to me when I spoke to him on the phone a few days ago.
"Now I expect him to come back to training with us on July 15, a little later than normal because I have given him extra time off as he played for France in the Confederation Cup last month. This is what I said to Sol - the same as I am saying to you."
Wenger also hinted that the Gunners may take action against the clubs who were in the hunt for Vieira in a bid to stop their top stars being tapped up.
He said: "Now we are going to look closely at what some so-called big clubs and some individuals are prepared to do to try to buy players who are under contract. Then we will make our findings known and see what can be done about it."

Richard Wright signs for Gunners

- Richard Wright -

International goalkeeper, Richard Wright has today joined Arsenal from Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee, on a long term contract.
The English 'keeper, who is widely regarded as one of the country's best young talents, was rewarded for his consistent high level of performances with his first England cap against Malta in June 2000 and was also a member of the England Euro 2000 squad.
Manager Ars�ne Wenger said: "Richard is a world class 'keeper, with a great deal of experience at club level. He has proved with his recent performances for Ipswich that he is a goalkeeper with great ability and future potential, who will be a great asset for Arsenal Football Club."
Richard is the fourth major signing Arsenal has made this summer. He joins Sol Campbell, Francis Jeffers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst as the new players in the Arsenal squad for the 2001/2002 season.
Further details will follow shortly.
5th July 2001
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Wright factfile:
Full name: Richard Wright.
Nationality: English.
Born: 5th November 1977, Ipswich.
Age: 23.
Height: 6.2" / 187cm.
Weight: 189lb / 82 kg.
Previous Club: Ipswich (1995-2001).
Transfer Details: Long term contract for an undisclosed fee.
Position: Goalkeeper.
Club Career: Came through Ipswich youth ranks. First Team debut in May 1995 against Coventry. Made 291 appearances for Club.
International Honours: England: 1 cap (Malta 1-2 England, June 2000)

Sol Campbell Special

Arsenal football club announced today, Tuesday 3rd July, the signing of Tottenham Hotspur and England defender Sol Campbell.
Sol, who was available on a Bosman free transfer after his contract with Spurs expired this month, is Arsene Wenger's third major signing this summer after Francis Jeffers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Sol was unveiled at a press conference today, and immediately made it clear why he has chosen to join the Gunners.
"Arsenal are a fantastic Club. They have a great manager, great players and a great set-up behind the scenes. It is definitely geared towards success.
"I want to play at the very top level and that is why I have come here to Highbury. It was a big decision, I had more lucrative offers from abroad but I felt Arsenal was the place to be."
Some of the foreign interest was rumoured to be in the shape of Italian giants Inter Milan and Spanish superclub Barcelona.
But Sol revealed exactly why he turned down the overseas interest;
"Staying in the Premiership was important to me. (England manager) Sven Goran Eriksson sees more games here than anywhere else and obviously I want to continue playing for England."
Manager Arsene Wenger was equally forthcoming in his reasons for pursuing Campbell;
"For me he is the best. When we spoke to him I felt he was ambitious, keen to continue developing his game and wants to play at the very top level.
"He is the right player for us and a huge signing in the history of Arsenal Football Club."

Arsenal target Mitresky

Arsenal have reportedly offered �3m to Spartak Moscow for defender Igor Mitreski.
The Highbury club are continuing to try and strengthen their squad and Macedonian international Mitresky has emerged as another target.
But Arsenal may have to up their bid to try and prise the 22-year-old away from Spartak.
"I know about the proposal," said Mitresky. "My agent told me that several other sides including Bayern Munich want to sign me.
"However, I'm under contract with Spartak and they said they are not going to sell me anywhere."
Arsenal have already signed Francis Jeffers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst for a combined �18.5m.
Goalkeeper Richard Wright is also expected to sign from Ipswich in a deal worth �6m.

ARSENAL "KNOW OF VIEIRA'S DISCONTENT"

Patrick Vieira told Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and vice-chairman David Dein of his desire to leave Highbury last week, according to the player's agent Marc Roger.
The 25-year-old still has three years left on his contract and the Gunners declared on Friday: "Patrick Vieira is an Arsenal player and is not for sale at any price."
But it is becoming increasingly apparent that the French international himself sees his future elsewhere.
"I was in the meeting when Patrick told Arsene Wenger and David Dein he wants to leave," Roger told The Sun.
"He wanted to tell them face to face. They are fully aware of his intentions to move on and they know the score."
Roger has also reacted to some claims that he has been behind the newspaper speculation surrounding Vieira's plans in order to get his charge an increased deal.
"I am acting as instructed by Patrick," insisted Roger. "Unlike most other agents, I do not work on behalf of any club. I only represent the interests of the player.
"I am not going to fall out with Arsenal over this. I helped bring Patrick here and I also brought Nicolas Anelka and Sylvain Wiltord to Highbury.
"They must understand it is nothing personal. But if Patrick Vieira wants to leave for a new challenge, it is my job to help him achieve that.
"I have twice negotiated new contracts for Patrick to stay at the club. If he wanted to stay now, I would organise another deal for him. But he doesn't."

FEYENOORD'S ARSENAL FRUSTRATION

FEYENOORD and their Polish international keeper Jerzy Dudek are stunned by Arsenal's decision to turn their attentions to Ipswich Town's Richard Wright.
It has long been thought that Dudek was top of Arsene Wenger's wanted list but his club's asking price appears to have deterred the Frenchman from pursuing that option.
Indeed, there was concern expressed a short time ago that Wenger was being forced to look elsewhere for a long-term replacement for David Seaman, with Edwin van der Sar also touted as a potential target.
"I can only say that, unlike Ipswich Town, we never had a serious offer from Arsenal," claims Feyenoord chairman Jorien van den Herik.
"However, I have had no confirmation that the interest in Dudek is off either.
"With all the news published, I had the impression that a contract had been negotiated, as well as the personal details on his move.
"This in spite of the fact that their vice-chairman David Dein told me that Dudek was just one of the candidates," he told ananova.com.
"I gave him my phone numbers and e-mail address and said I would await a serious offer from them.
"This has not happened yet."
With Barcelona signing Francesco Toldo from Fiorentina, another one of Dudek's possible destinations has been blocked, leaving agent Jan de Zeeuw to express some concern.
"I have been trying all day to establish a contact with Arsenal," he protested.
"The interest in Wright is true but I have not spoken to Arsene Wenger yet.
"At first, Arsenal did want Dudek as their keeper. But again, it is too early to say something."
The 28-year-old Pole is highly regarded within Europe but it remains to be seen where he can secure a move, particularly if the Rotterdam club insist on a sizeable transfer fee for his signature.
Feyenoord may instead look to cash in on talented Australian Brett Emerton, who is on the wanted list of a string of clubs after enhancing his reputation by scoring twice against New Zealand this week.
The versatile midfielder has declared that he cannot move to England, due to the current work permit regulations, but refused to rule out a switch to Spain or Italy, stating he would need to give it "careful consideration."
Arsenal are confident Wright will sign a contract at Highbury when he returns from his summer holiday at the start of next month, and Feyenoord may be left with some difficult decisions over how to fund their own summer spending spree.

WRIGHT IN AS GUNNERS SPLASH CASH

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to make Ipswich Town's young England goalkeeper Richard Wright his third signing of the summer and take the Gunners' close-season spending past the �20million mark.
Wright, who made his full international debut against Malta a year ago just before the Euro 2000 finals, is Wenger's choice to battle it out with England veteran David Seaman for the number one jersey at Highbury next season after abandoning plans to import Poland international Jerzy Dudek from Dutch giants Feyenoord.
Arsenal offered around �6.5million for Dudek but Feyenoord insisted upon a valuation nearer �10million and Wenger refused to budge even though it is believed the player would easily have settled on personal terms in north London.
Now Wenger is likely to offer the �6.5million to Ipswich for Wright and could also throw in Highbury reserve goalkeeper Alex Manninger, whose Arsenal career looks over after four years of frustration understudying the evergreen Seaman.
At 37, Seaman has recently agreed a new one-year deal at the club for next season and that could see Austrian international Manninger, 23, finally given a chance to build a Premiership career - at Portman Road
There was the familiar "we never comment on transfer speculation" response from Highbury last night over Wright but Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks admitted Arsenal had "made a substantial offer."
Sheepshanks added: "We have given permission for Richard to speak to Arsenal about personal terms and we understand these talks are taking place."
Wright is set to move from East Anglia into the Champions League with Arsenal despite signing a new three-year Portman Road contract at the end of the season.
There may be outrage from some sections of the Ipswich support but Sheepshanks explained: "When he signed his new contract such a move was not envisaged so early, but we knew that if Richard ever was going to leave then Arsenal was his preferred choice.
"We agreed we would not stand in his way if there was a reasonable offer.
"Some supporters may wonder why such an agreement was made with Richard regarding a possible approach by Arsenal, but had we not done he simply would not have signed a new contract and we would have lost him on a Bosman free transfer without any compensation.
"Ideally we wanted to keep him and, candidly, the move is unwelcome, but if a deal is concluded by early July we have contingent plans in place to replace him before the start of the season."
Wenger targeted Wright as an ideal Arsenal successor to Seaman when the Ipswich keeper made a string of stunning saves in his side's 1-0 defeat at Highbury last season, but thought he had lost out when a new contract at Portman Road was first signalled.
He switched tracks to Dudek, but was subsequently encouraged to try again for Wright and now looks certain to push the deal through.
And now the manager who raised eyebrows when he said towards the end of last term that he envisaged only minor excursions into the transfer market this summer, is ready to splash out again after already paying �8million for Everton striker Francis Jeffers and �7.5million for Rangers' Dutch midfield star Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Kanu considers Arsenal future

Arsenal's Nigerian star Nwanko Kanu is considering his future at Highbury following interest from Spain's Deportivo La Coruna.
The Sun reports that fans' favourite Kanu is unsettled following the signing of Francis Jeffers from Everton and is waiting to see if Deportivo follow up their initial interest with a firm offer.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is understood to be willing to part with Kanu if Deportivo come up with a bid of at least �10 million.

Arsenal agree to release Malz

Troubled midfielder Stefan Malz is set to move back home to Germany with FC Kaiserslautern, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.
Kaiserslautern are hoping to agree personal terms with the 29-year-old after successfully completing negotiations with the North London club.
The club's managing director, Gerhard Herzog, confirmed: 'We are in agreement with Arsenal, now we only have to reach agreement with the player.'
Malz's impact at Highbury has hardly been felt and he has made just 14 appearances since joining in June 1999. The German midfielder arrived from 1860 Munich and previously played for Mannheim.

Arsenal issue Campbell deadline

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has warned Sol Campbell not to take too much longer over deciding his future.
The Gunners are hoping to sign Campbell on a Bosman free transfer but face increasing competition for his services, particularly from Barcelona and Inter Milan.
Dein refused to issue the player an ultimatum, but is hoping to persuade Campbell to make a decision before the Gunners return to pre-season training on 5 July.
Dein indicated that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger would be forced to look elsewhere if Campbell delayed his decision.
"The timing is his," said Dein.
"He has said he will make a decision in two or three weeks time and obviously we would like it to be before we start training on 5 July, otherwise we will have other fish to fry.
"It is his decision but he knows we are very keen to sign him.
"I guess we have got very stiff opposition. Players at the top end of the scale can decide where they want to go, almost."
Arsenal have spent more than �16m in less than a week on Francis Jeffers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and Dein joked: "The Arsenal credit card is on meltdown at the moment.
"Arsene have identified who he would like and we are still in the market to improve the squad.
"Hopefully there will be another one or two players coming in. There will also be two or three going out.
"I am not going to say who those players are going to be, but I will say that a goalkeeper is one of Arsene's targets.
"Transfers these days are not easy for clubs, because players are spoilt for choice.
"We are living in a very competitive world and certainly at the top end there is too much money chasing too little talent."

Gunners consider Frey, Vieira deal may be on

Arsenal Signs Midfielder Van Bronckhorst From Rangers

London, June 19 (Bloomberg) -- Arsenal signed Dutch midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst from Scotland's Rangers on a five-year contract, the English Premiership soccer club said. Rangers' official Web site reported the fee as 8.5 million pounds ($12.1 million). Arsenal declined to comment on the fee. The 26-year-old Van Bronckhorst, restricted to nine matches last season because of a pelvic injury, said manager Arsene Wenger was one of the main reasons behind his decision to turn down other teams in favor of the Champions League quarterfinalist.
``His vision really suited me,'' Van Bronckhorst said at a London press conference. ``He sees me playing central midfield on the left side, alongside Patrick Vieira.''
Van Bronckhorst, whose signing comes five days after 20-year- old Everton striker Francis Jeffers joined Arsenal for 10 million pounds, said he believed French midfielder Vieira would stay at Highbury, even though he has been linked with moves to other clubs.
The Rotterdam-born Van Bronckhorst was in the Netherlands squad at the 1998 World Cup finals in France and played for his national team at last year's European Championships. The Dutch reached the semifinals of both.
He scored 10 goals in his first season in Glasgow after his 5.25 million-pound transfer from Feyenoord in 1998 and helped Rangers win the Scottish league and cup double in 2000.
``I won many prizes in Scotland, now I want to win the league in England,'' Van Bronckhorst said. ``There is more quality in England.''
Van Bronckhorst, who scored 22 goals in 119 games during his three years at Ibrox, was second to teammate Barry Ferguson in the 2000 Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year awards.
Rangers Chairman David Murray said he made several attempts to persuade Van Bronckhurst to agree to a new contract -- his existing one lasted another year -- but he ``had already made up his mind. We are disappointed to lose a player of his caliber.''
Meantime, Rangers' Web site said the club is set to sign German midfielder Christian Nerlinger after settling terms with his club Borussia Dortmund. Nerlinger will discuss terms with Rangers this week, Murray told www.rangers.co.uk

GUNNERS TARGET SCHWARZER AGAIN

Arsenal have cooled their interest in Feyenoord goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek after watching the Polish international have a nightmare in a recent game.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is still scouring Europe to find a long-term successor for David Seaman and may now turn his attention back to Middlesbrough stopper Mark Schwarzer.
The Aussie international was linked with a move to Highbury earlier in the season and Wenger is a big fan of the Boro keeper.
However, new Boro boss Steve McClaren rates Schwarzer very highly and will do all he can to keep the 28-year-old at the Riverside.

Campbell nears Barca switch

Barcelona manager Carlos Rexach has revealed they are close to sealing a deal for out-of-contract Tottenham defender Sol Campbell.
The Spanish giants have now emerged as the favourites to snap up the England international ahead of London rivals Arsenal and say they hope to complete a deal next week.
Campbell has been offered a reputed �150,000-a-week, tax-free deal by the Spaniards and is being given the red-carpet treatment in Spain in a bid to persuade him to join Barca.
He will be guest of honour at the Nou Camp tonight as Barca bid to ensure Champions League qualification at the expense of Valencia, who they entertain in the final La Liga clash.
Barcelona's need for a top-class defender became all the more apparent this week after Dutch centre-back Frank de Boer was handed a year-long ban after failing a dope test.
The Catalan giants have prepared a four-year deal for the England international, with Rexach confident of beating Arsenal to his signature. He said: "We are very interested in him. We've almost agreed - more or less - financial terms and we are waiting for his decision.
"He is a very strong player, the sort we do not have at this club at the moment," he told the Sunday People.
A Barcelona club spokesman added: "Sol is being given the star treatment. Arsenal do not have a hope. When Barcelona want a player as badly as this, they get him."
Speculation has been rife about Campbell's future and if he is in Catalonia this evening, it will increase talk that he is set to join Barcelona ahead of what many deem a controversial cross-city switch to Spurs' deadly rivals Arsenal.

KEOWN: CAMPBELL WOULD BE BIG SUCCESS AT BARCA

Arsenal's Martin Keown believes Sol Campbell would be a big success at Barcelona if he signs for the Spanish giants instead of making the move across to Highbury.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he is still interested in teaming Campbell up with Keown at the heart of his defence, while the want-away Tottenham defender said he would be making his decision shortly.
Barcelona coach Carles Rexach claimed Campbell had told Nou Camp officials that he would be joining them if the Catalans qualified for the Champions League.
That looked unlikely in Barca's final Primera Liga match at home to Valencia, until Brazilian ace Rivaldo secured their place with a stunning overhead kick in the dying moments.
Now that a place in Europe's premier competition is ensured Keown feels the lure of fame and fortune with one of the biggest clubs in world football would be too much for Campbell to ignore.
"Barcelona are a massive club," Keown told Skysports.com. "They are one of the clubs you would want to play for.
"Steve McManaman has done really well at Real Madrid and I see no reason why Sol can't be a big success at Barcelona.
"Sol will be looking and thinking he can add something to their squad and I'm sure he will."

Arsenal Targets Ipswich Keeper Wright, Sun Says: Soccer Roundup

London, June 16 (Bloomberg) -- English Premiership club Arsenal wants to sign Ipswich's England international goalkeeper Richard Wright for 8 million pounds ($11.2 million), according to the Sun.
Ipswich is reluctant to sell the 23-year-old, so Arsenal would include reserve goalkeeper Alex Manninger in part-exchange, the paper said. Arsenal agreed terms with Feyenoord's Jerzy Dudek last month but wasn't prepared to meet the Dutch club's 10 million- pound valuation, the paper added.
The same paper said Middlesbrough is set to bid 6 million pounds for Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt. Butt's first- team place may be in jeopardy if Lazio's Juan Sebastian Veron accepts United's offer of 4 million pounds-a-year wages, the paper added.
The Mirror said Lazio would accept the 23.4 million-pound transfer fee for the Argentine international in instalments over three years to insure a quick sale. The Star reported Veron has rejected the move.
Newcastle bid 10 million pounds for Barcelona's Dutch international winger Boudewijn Zenden, the Sun reported. Spanish defender Marcelino, valued at 2 million pounds, was offered in part-exchange for Zenden, also a target for Inter Milan and Roma.
Everton is interested in signing West Brom striker Lee Hughes for 5 million pounds as replacement for Francis Jeffers, who moved to Arsenal this week, the Express said.
Meantime, the Mirror reported Everton must use 5 million pounds from the sale of Jeffers to reduce its 30 million-pound debt. The club won't offer midfielder Stephen Hughes a new contract when his present agreement expires at the end of the month, according to the Sun and the Mirror.
Aston Villa hopes to sign Southampton's Moroccan midfielder Hassan Kachloul, who held talks with Ipswich this week, the Express reported. Villa will offer the 28-year-old higher wages to dissuade him from a move to Portman Road, the paper said.
West Ham's former England defender Stuart Pearce rejected the chance to manage Division Two Wigan, the Sun said. The 39-year-old has yet to agree a one-year extension to his playing contract at Upton Park, the paper added.
George Weah's agent Ian Anderson contacted Liverpool after Marseille released the Liberian striker from his contract, according the Mirror. Weah played nine matches for Manchester City last season after six months on loan at Chelsea.
Portsmouth is set to sign Queens Park Rangers striker Peter Crouch for 1.5 million pounds, with forward Steve Claridge moving in the opposite direction, according to the Star. Millwall is also interested in signing the 250,000 pound-rated Claridge after the 35-year-old spent two months on loan at the New Den.
Finally, Sheffield United plans to sign Moroccan international midfielder Lahcen Abrami from Turkish club Genclerbirligi, the Sun and the Star said. The 31-year-old requires a work permit.

Van Bronckhorst confirms talks with Arsenal

GLASGOW (Reuters)(DS) - Rangers midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst says he has held talks with Arsenal and will decide whether to join the English premier league club by the end of next week. "I found out that Arsenal were very interested this week," van Bronckhorst told icons.com on Saturday. "I have had talks with Arsenal and I'm also aware of strong interest in me from other clubs. "Now I intend to make a final decision on my future by the end of next week. "I've made no secret of the fact that I'm a big fan of the English premiership, it's one of the toughest leagues in the world and I would love to test myself there."
Rangers manager Dick Advocaat said he was resigned to losing the 26-year-old Dutchman. "Of course I'm sad about losing van Bronckhorst because he is such an excellent player," Advocaat told the Daily Record. "But one year from now he can go for nothing."

Arsenal confirm interest in Campbell

LONDON (Reuters)(DS) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he was interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Sol Campbell but says it is up to the player to decide where his future lies. Campbell, whose contract with Arsenal's bitter north London rivals expires on July 1, is currently considering offers from several leading clubs in England and Europe. Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have all expressed an interest in signing the 26-year-old England defender, who will be available on a free transfer, along with Italian club Inter Milan and Spanish side Barcelona.
"We are one of the clubs who is interested but the rest is down to Sol Campbell," Wenger said during a news conference to confirm the signing of Everton striker Francis Jeffers on Thursday. "He has interest from many clubs and it's up to him to make the choice. I don't know when he will make a decision - yesterday his agent announced that he will make a decision in two or three weeks." Campbell's agent Sky Andrew told Sky Sports television on Wednesday that the player wanted his future "sorted out by the end of the month."

Arsenal splash out on Everton striker Jeffers

LONDON (Reuters)(DS) - Everton striker Francis Jeffers has completed a dream move to Arsenal in a deal worth up to 10 million pounds.
According to Everton's official website, Arsenal will pay Everton eight million pounds initially for the 20-year-old England under-21 striker, rising to 10 million pounds depending on appearances. Arsenal presented Jeffers to the media at a Highbury news conference on Thursday evening although the club refused to confirm either the transfer fee or the length of the player's contract. "Once I met the manager and the chairman my mind was made up," Jeffers said. "I didn't want to go anywhere else even though I had other offers. It's a massive club, one of the biggest in Europe and for them to be interested in me is magnificent.
"Playing with world class players I'm definitely looking to improve." Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was delighted to have boosted his squad's firepower as he prepares for next season's assault on the premier league and European Champions League. "He's a good player and he has the qualities to be in the squad and the team," said the Frenchman. "He can score goals and get in the box.
"He's a mobile player. We play football based on mobility and technique and he's a good runner off the ball."
Liverpool-born Jeffers, who rejected the offer of a contract extension by Everton last season, has made no secret of his desire to join Arsenal and this week spurned talks with Newcastle United in the hope of completing a move to Highbury.
Leeds United, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur and Middlesbrough had also been chasing the highly-rated forward who netted 20 goals for Everton despite making only 40 starts due a spate of injuries.

FULLY FIT
Last season, Jeffers made only 14 appearances due to ankle and shoulder problems but he said on Thursday those problems were behind him.
"I'm fully fit," he said.
Wenger was also unconcerned, saying: "It can happen to anyone. At the moment he's only 20 and because of his age it makes me confident he will be okay." Jeffers's arrival at Highbury casts doubt over the futures of Arsenal's Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp and Nigerian forward Nwankwo Kanu, who had to play second fiddle to French pair Thierry Henry and Sylvain Wiltord in the Arsenal attack last season.
But it is likely to please French midfielder Patrick Vieira, who has been pressing the club to strengthen its squad after a disappointing 2000-01 season.
Wenger said he would not change his playing system to accommodate his strikers and vowed Jeffers would have to fight for his place.
"We'll still stick to 4-4-2 (formation) and Jeffers will have to be one of two strikers if he is to play," he said.
"It's up to him to get into the team.
"If you look at his games and goals at his age that tells you that the potential is there, the rest is down to his motivation. I want to develop him."
Wenger said he was hopeful Jeffers would improve Arsenal's poor goalscoring record away from home last season, when they failed to mount a serious challenge to Manchester United in the premier league. "He's used to the premiership, going to places like Southampton and Newcastle and fighting," said the manager.

Vieira staying at Arsenal, says Wenger

LONDON (Reuters)(DS) - France midfielder Patrick Vieira will not be leaving Arsenal, according to the premier league club's manager Arsene Wenger.
Vieira, valued at 25 million pounds, was rumoured to be unhappy at the London club's lack of silverware since they won the league and cup double in 1998 and the sale of key players Emmanuel Petit and Marc Overmars to Barcelona in the last close-season. But Wenger, quoted in the Daily Mirror on Thursday, denied Vieira was demanding showdown talks regarding his future. He said: "There is no meeting planned with him. As far as I am concerned he is happy at Arsenal and will be with us at the start of next season.
"There are so many rumours about Patrick's future but that is all they are. He is a fantastic player and a great asset to the team."
Wenger also confirmed he was keen to sign Tottenham Hotspur's out-of-contract defender Sol Campbell, although he denied the player was to undergo a medical at Highbury on Friday. He said: "Of course we are still interested in Sol Campbell, but I don't think he has made his mind up about where he wants to go."

Arsenal offer Rangers �8.5M for Van Bronckhorst

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has tabled a �8.5 million offer for Rangers midfielder, Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Wenger is hoping to trump Chelsea, who have been tracking the Holland international since the turn of the year. Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri is said to have cooled his interest in Van Bronckhorst and will instead step up his bid to sign Manu Petit from Barcelona and West Ham's Frank Lampard

Arsenal target Real's Geremi

The London club off loaded Argentine full back Nelson Vivas to Inter yesterday and want Cameroon international full back Geremi. The 23 year old was brought to Real by John Toshack from Turkish football at the end of 1999 and is now an established first team player for the Spanish champions. But Arsenal are willing to test Real's interest in retaining the player who is often needed for international trips by Cameroon. Geremi captained the Olympic gold medal winning team in Sydney last year and his prolonged absences have held back his progress with Real. he made his international debut in 1996 at age 16 against the Gabon and went abroad shortly after to play for Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno. Arsenal are working on trying to replace the ageing defence inherited by French coach Arsene Wenger in 1997 and want Geremi to join them to add a proven quality full back to their squad.

VIVAS COMPLETES INTER MOVE

Inter Milan tonight completed the signing of Argentinian defender Nelson Vivas from Arsenal on a two-year contract. The 31-year-old was out of contract at Highbury and has joined on a 'Bosman' free transfer. He made just 19 appearances last season for Arsene Wenger's side and it has taken him less than a day to pass a medical and agree personal terms with the Serie A giants.
Accompanied by Marcelo Open, he met Inter sporting director Gabriele Oriali today after flying in last night. Speaking on Inter's television channel, Vivas said: ''I are extremely happy to have arrived at a great club like this - one of the most prestigious in Europe.
''And I am pleased in particular to have merited the confidence of the new coach and all the leadership. The ambition of any player is to always try and improve,'' Vivas added. ''To move from Arsenal to Inter will allow me to continue to play at the highest level.''
But with the Italian transfer window closed, Vivas cannot make his debut on Sunday when Inter take on Bologna - a match moved to Bari after a recent incident which saw a motorscooter thrown from one of the upper tiers at the San Siro. Vivas joined Arsenal from Swiss club Lugano in 1998, but found it hard to win a regular first-team place throughout his stay. He was loaned out to Primera Liga club Celta Vigo in the 1999/2000 season, but failed to secure a permanent move there. Vivas' fellow Argentinian Javier Zanetti, the Inter club captain, is looking forward to teaming up with the utility man.
He told Inter's club website earlier in the day: ''I know that Inter would be making an excellent signing. Nelson is a great defender. With him in the national team we always feel comfortable and protected. I believe that if Inter get him he will be a great signing. He is an exemplary professional, a splendid lad and he is good to have in the dressing room.''

Man United, Arsenal target Torres inspires Atletico win

A target for Manchester United and Arsenal, Atletico Madrid wonder kid Fernando Torres inspired his team to a crucial 1-0 win against Sporting in Sunday's Segunda Liga crunch match. Atletico are now equal on points with third-placed Tenerife and must win this week to have any chance of gaining an unlikely promotion. With a buyout clause of �37 million, Torres has openly told of inquiries received from both Arsenal and United. Against Sporting, he came on after 54 minutes and stamped his mark on the game with two opposition defenders - inside five minutes - being sent-off for fouls against him. After the game, Torres spent 40 minutes signing autographs for Atletico fans - quite something for a player only just turned 17.

ARSENAL EYES SWEDISH ACE

Arsenal are keen to sign Swedish defender Olof Mellberg. Mellberg is available, from Spanish outfit Racing Santander, at around �4.5 million. Also Aston Villa are reported to be interested in the 23-year old.

Arsenal linked with Hargreaves

PREMIERSHIP OUTFIT Arsenal are rumoured to be ready to spend up to $US 8,700,000 for Bayern's rising English star Owen Hargreaves. The Gunners will find it hard to sign the 20-year-old as Bayern have extended Hargreaves's contract until 2004 following the youngster's brilliant displays in the Champions League. Bayern director Uli Hoeness had commented on renewing Hargreaves's contract, saying: "We are not going to do this to get money out of him but to keep him." It is also suggested that Arsenal have started talks with Stefan Effenberg after he spoke about his plans to join a London club when his contract expires after the forthcoming season.

ARSENAL LODGE ZANETTI INTEREST

ARSENAL have been credited with an interest in Internazionale`s Javier Zanetti, but if the Argentinian defender does leave the Giuseppe Meazza then Real Madrid is his likely destination.
Arsene Wenger is looking for a new right back and Zanetti is undoubtedly one of the best exponents of that position in world football, but the player`s own desire to play in La Liga look set to scupper the Frenchman`s attempts.
Arsenal are reported to have made their interest known to the player`s agent Jorge Oliva on Friday.
Inter, however, are not in any hurry to sell the 27-year-old, but Zanetti is well aware of Real`s interest and his agent Oliva is thought to be working hard to get him a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
A fee of around �14 million is being touted as Inter`s asking price and that would not put Arsenal off as they look to build for next season.
The Gunners know that Lee Dixon is entering his last season and have already discovered the Oleg Luzhny is not the long-term solution.
RKC Waalwijk`s Dutch Under-21 international Michael Lamey is also a target, but Zanetti`s credentials are world-class and Wenger is seemingly hoping that Arsenal`s interest may appeal to the Argentine.
Meanwhile, The Gunners have arranged a friendly with Serie A leaders Roma for the end of July.
The two clubs have agreed to meet in Kapfenberg, Austria where the Giallorossi are spending two weeks pre-season training beginning July 17.

Arsenal chase Japanese Beckham

Arsenal are weighing up one Japanese import that may turn out to be good for their balance of trade. Hidetoshi Nakata, who scored the only goal in today's Confederations Cup semi-final against Australia, would cost around �16 million to prise from Roma. Yet the Highbury club would land themselves a �20m commercial payback if they sign the pin-up star of Japanese football.
The 24-year-old has a fanatical following in his homeland and the commercial spin-offs for Arsenal would be enormous.
Voted Asian Footballer of the Year in 1998 and 1999, Nakata's profile is so high in Japan that he is given the same paparazzi treatment as Manchester United's David Beckham. Nakata, who has had a hit pop song about him, is far from camera shy even though he sometimes needs police protection from hordes of screaming girl fans.
He regularly struts his stuff on the catwalk modelling for Prada and Armani and the attention has made him rich, too, with a portfolio of sponsorship endorsements from Fila, Subaru, Aau Plus, MasterCard and a supermarket chain. But it is his footballing skills that have persuaded Arsene Wenger to continue delicate negotiations with Roma. The Arsenal manager, who is in Japan working for Fuj television, has been watching Nakata in the Confederations Cup. His 43rd-minute free-kick against Australia in Yokohama today earned co-hosts Japan a place in the final.
Wenger is certain he has what it takes to succeed in the Premiership. He said: "Nakata is undoubtedly a superb player. He stands out even in Europe. For example, I could have Thierry Henry as a lone striker and ask Nakata to play just behind. I have already approached Roma. There is a gap over what we are willing to pay and what they want but we are still in talks."
Wenger, who managed Grampus Eight in Japan in the early 1990s, knows that Nakata's signing would give Arsenal the chance to make millions from replica shirt sales and TV deals in the Far East. In addition, Arsenal's fan base would grow. Thousands of Japanese tourists have visited Roma to see Nakata in action in Serie A.
Born in January 1977 in Yamanashi Prefecture, Nakata was educated at the Nirasaki High School and began playing at the age of nine. First selected to represent Japan in their Under-15 team, Nakata continued to distinguish himself through High School at national athletic meetings and the High School championships as well as in the national Under-17s and 19s championships.
It was here that his talent was first spotted by Japan League sides and when he graduated from High School, 11 out of the 12 teams attempted to sign him. In his opening year as a professional with Bellmare Hiratsuka he continued to impress but it was not until, at 19, he became the youngest player to be picked for the Olympic team that his profile rose. Japan reached the Olympics for the first time in 28 years and Nakata - a free-kick specialist - played an instrumental part in the historic victory over Brazil in Atlanta.
Full international recognition soon followed and he made his debut for Japan in May 1997 against South Korea and helped them through the Asian qualifying round for a successful passage to the World Cup in France 98 - the first time they had qualified for the finals.
Weeks after the World Cup had finished, Nakata joined AC Perugia in Italy's Serie A before moving to Roma in January last year. He was the creative substitute for hometown hero Francesco Totti in the final phase of Roma's campaign for their first Serie A title in 18 years but is disillusioned with his lack of first-team starts. Nakata is happy to be back in Japan for the moment, although his involvement in Sunday's final is in doubt after he said he would return to Italy for Roma's Serie A game against Napoli on the same day. Coach Philippe Troussier said Nakata had tired in some of the matches, adding: "He doesn't play all the time for Roma, so he lacks a bit of rhythm, but the best remedy is to play." That remedy may come from another French coach, if Wenger can sort out a deal, which may even involve the part-exchange of Lauren, to bring Nakata to London.
There is no doubt he has the ability to succeed in the Premiership and Nakata said: "I would like to continue to play for a team capable of winning trophies. Rome is a wonderful place but it is suffocating me. I have no privacy and I need a change of country.
"I know Roma wouldn't sell me to a rival club in Serie A, so I must look abroad. London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I like English football but, from a tourist point of view and with respect to a great team like Manchester United, I would prefer to play in London."