Tag Archives: Jagielka

Transfer Rumours: M’Vila, Kaka, Arteta, Jagielka

  By jtom | 25/08/2011 - 8:06 AM | Transfer News
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M'Vila could be on his way to the Emirates.

Arsenal have made a bid for midfielder Yann M’Vila. Real Madrid want Arsenal to buy Kaka. The Gunners could sign both Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka from Everton.

According to The Guardian, Arsene Wenger has offered Rennes £22 million for defensive midfielder Yann M’Vila. Rennes have already rejected a £15m bid from Arsenal.

Some reports said that M’Vila was waiting for the result of Wednesday night’s match against Udinese to make a decision to sign on at the Emirates. Arsenal defeated Udinese 2-1 (3-1 aggregate), so it now looks likely that the Gunners will sign M’Vila.

Yann M’Vila has arrived on the international scene for France, with 11 caps since his debut in 2010. The 21-year old has become a staple of Laurent Blanc’s side.

According to Daily Mail, Real Madrid have rejected an Arsenal loan offer for Kaka. Jose Mourinho wants to sell Kaka and not loan him out.

Real Madrid want around £17.5m for the 29-year old Brazilian. Kaka can still be effective as an attacking midfielder, but will Arsene Wenger be willing to spend that much cash for a 29-year old player?

I think not. Kaka’s wages are extraordinarily high (£153,000 a week), and the former FIFA World Player of the Year is past the prime of his career. Mesut Ozil has taken Kaka’s place in Mourinho’s starting squad, so Kaka may want out of Madrid. The Brazilian would likely have to take a pay cut at the Emirates, which may make him stay in Madrid.

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are considering a double swoop for two Everton stars. Phil Jagielka has been in the rumours all summer, but Mikel Arteta is new to the mix.

Everton’s finances are in crisis. The club is in a heap of debt and the supporters are getting restless. The Tofees may be forced to sell their stars and shuffle the money to the banks. On the other hand, the loss of two key players like Arteta and Jagielka could see Everton sink into the relegations battle and face protests from the fans. The ownership is under a lot of pressure, and they may not be ready to hold a fire sale.

Arsenal would have to pay around £28m for the pair, with £15m for Jagielka and £13m for Arteta.

Mikel Arteta could be a decent replacement for Cesc Fabregas. The 29-year old midfielder has around seven years of Premier League exprience with Everton, counting his loan spell at Goodison Park in 2005.

Arteta could be a nice addition. His ball skilla and passing are excellent, and he can play in the midfield of a 4-3-3 system. I just wonder whether Arsene Wenger would spend considerable cash for a 29-year old footballer, or any footballer for that matter.

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Transfer Rumours: Hazard, M’Vila, Jagielka

  By jtom | 22/08/2011 - 7:48 AM | Transfer News
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Eden Hazard

Arsenal have submitted bids for both Eden Hazard (Lille) and Yann M’Vila (Rennes). Arsene Wenger is targeting Phil Jagielka as Everton’s financial problems rise.

According to Daily Mirror, Arsenal have put in a bid of at £20m-plus for Lille winger Eden Hazard. Hazard is one of the highest-rated young players in Europe, and has been linked with a move to the Emirates in the past.

Some are saying that Lille want £26m for Hazard. Manchester City’s offer for Nasri is between £22-25m. Wenger must be sure that Hazard is a real star and a Nasri replacement before he spends that kind of money.

I have not seen much of Hazard. He looks good on Youtube clips, but so does every player. Last season, the 20-year old Belgian helped Lille win the French double, scoring 10 goals and assisting on 12 in all competitions.

Remember that Arsenal bought Gervinho from Lille earlier in the summer for £10.5m. The French club may not want to break up their entire title-winning squad.

According to Daily Mirror, Arsene Wenger has submitted a £15m offer for Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila. On Sunday, we learned that Arsenal has interest in the 21-year old defensive midfielder, but now we hear that a bid has been submitted.

Rennes do not want to sell M’Vila, but they are not regarded as a top French club. They have a top youth academy that producing former-Gunner Sylvain Wiltord among others.

Arsene Wenger had better bring in M’Vila quickly. Arsenal could really use the defensive midfielder in the up-coming matches, with both Emmanuel Frimpong and Alex Song suspended for the Manchester United game at the weekend.

According to Daily Mirror, Arsene Wenger views Phil Jagielka as the best solution to Arsenal’s centre-half problems. Everton have already rejected two Gunner offers for Jagielka, but they could succumb to Arsenal due to financial pressures.

Everton want £20m for Jagielka, and it will be Wenger’s job to lower that price. With Everton’s debt piling up, that may not be hard to do.

The Evertonians booed their team after a 1-0 loss to QPR. They were jeering the ownership more than anything. If the owners sell Jagielka, Everton fans will have even more to be angry about.

Arsene Wenger wants Jagielka as his first choice, but he has not given up on signing Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill.

We are entering another big week for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. There are many questions still to be answered, and, hopefully, some of them will be answered in the next seven days.

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Transfer Rumours: Nasri, Zarate, Jagielka

  By jtom | 19/08/2011 - 6:58 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal and Manchester City have a transfer deal in place for Samir Nasri, but the Frenchman would rather be at Old Trafford. According to reports, Arsenal are interested in Lazio striker Mauro Zarate. Everton admit that they may have to sell star players, which could open the door for the Gunners.

According the The Guardian, Arsenal have an agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Samir Nasri, but Nasri will not play for City against Bolton at the weekend. There are still a few details to sort out before the deal is complete.

Arsenal will reportedly sell Nasri for £22m. The French midfielder is expected to make £180,000 a week at Eastlands. The Gunners were only willing to give him £90,000 per week, and Nasri became frustrated with negotiations. Nasri is leaving the Emirates for money, and money only.

According to Daily Mirror, Samir Nasri is already looking to leave Eastlands. He has told friends that he would rather sign for Manchester United. Nasri will settle for Manchester City and their oil money.

Samir Nasri is the definition of a disloyal footballer. First, he leaves the Emirates for money. Now, he is talking about his love for Manchester United, before he has even joined Manchester City. He will join City, but he prefers United. I do not want “Nasrat” on my team.

According to Corriere Dello Sport, the agent for Lazio’s Mauro Zarate is in London holding talks with Arsenal. The 26-year old Argentinean striker would cost the Gunners around £10m. Zarate wants to leave Lazio after the recent influx of forwards.

Zarate has spent time in the Premier League. He went on a loan spell with Birmingham City, and scored 4 goals in 14 matches. Last season, Zarate netted 9 goals and 7 assists in 35 appearances in Serie A.

Most Arsenal fans will not be elated if Wenger goes for Zarate. The Lazio striker does not have a great goal-scoring record, with 25 goals in 103 apearances for the Italian club.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright hinted that the club may have to sell players because of their finacial situation. Here is what he told The Sun: “We knew this summer we were going to get to a point where things were going to be very, very tight and we knew we had to trade.

“There has not been a lot of trading in football itself this summer and we have not been able to trade yet and that is the reason we have not brought in a new player.

“The world is in a recession and I don’t know any business that is not suffering at the moment. I include football in that, apart from the financial elite in the game.”

Everton is under pressure to sell star players Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines. They could be sending a signal to Arsene Wenger that they are open for negotiations. Jagielka has been linked with Arsenal quite frequently this summer, while Baines has not been in the Gunner rumours too often.

With the injury to Kieran Gibbs (and his history of injuries), Baines would be a great addition to our backline. Arsene Wenger needs to sure up the back four with the Nasri and Fabregas money. Everton could be looking for buyers, while the Gunners are in desperate need of defending.

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Transfer Rumours: Cesc, Cahill, Jagielka

  By jtom | 14/08/2011 - 7:36 AM | Transfer News
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Pep Guardiola said yesterday that Barcelona are in “advanced” talks to sign Cesc Fabregas. Arsenal are ready to make a new push for Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill. Phil Jagielka is also still being pursued by the Gunners.

Pep Guardiola talked about Fabregas in a press conference: “Cesc is not here yet, but it [the deal] is very advanced.

“[Director of sport] Andoni Zubizarreta said there is still something missing, and so Fabregas is still an Arsenal player [for now] as he is not here.

“I don’t know if Cesc will arrive on Monday, the important thing is to think about our game in the Supercopa.”

Guardiola believes that the whole Cesc saga is a distraction to his club ahead of their Supercopa match against Real Madrid. On Friday, Guardiola halted Cesc while he was on his way to the airport. The Barcelona manager wants to hold off the Fabregas’ arrival until after Sunday’s match.

Even Guardiola thinks that Cesc is a distraction. This Fabregas drama needs to end for the good of both clubs involved. Barcelona’s behavior during all the negotiations was insulting. Wenger just needs to let Cesc go, and the constant questioning will stop.

According to The Mirror, Arsene Wenger is prepared to launch a new bid for Gary Cahill. The offer will be for £16.5m, as Wenger desperately wants to secure the Bolton centre-half. Arsenal scout Steve Rowley looked at Cahill in Bolton’s 4-0 win over QPR. Cahill scored from a long-distance curler, which must have pleased Rowley.

Adding the Bolton centre-back would do wonders for the squad. He is a young, English defender who is a threat in the air and, apparently, from outside the penatly area. The arrival of Cahill would do so much good for the mentality of the Arsenal supporters.

According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are set to make another bid for Phil Jagielka. The 28-year old Everton centre-back has been linked with a move to the Emirates all summer. Wenger has come to gripes with the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, and he may spend money strengthening Arsenal’s back four.

A source close to Jagielka told Daily Mail that he is “ambitious for Champions League football but sensible.” This means that the Everton centre-half will not force his way out of Goodison.

Check out my analysis of Arsenal scoreless draw with Newcastle, which was mared by a brawl.

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Transfer Rumours: Jagielka, Dann, Mertesacker

  By jtom | 10/08/2011 - 8:08 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal’s search for a central defender is heating up. Sylvain Distin said that Phil Jagielka will not be leaving Everton. Arsenal are still interested in Birminham City defender Scott Dann. Per Mertesacker would welcome a move to the Emirates.

Phil Jagielka’s centre-half partner at Everton has told the media that Jagielka will stay at Goodison Park. Here is what Distin said: “He’s not come out and said he wants to go anywhere, so I guess that means Jags wants to stay. It’s still a club to be at. I don’t think any players want to leave here, to be honest. My guess is he’s fine here.

“I haven’t told him not to go, there’s no point doing that. If he comes to me and asks, I’ll tell him what I think, but it’s not happened so we’re happy he’s staying.”

According to reports last month, Jagielka told friends that he would snub a move to Arsenal.  The 28-year old centre-back can stay at Everton. Christopher Samba, Per Mertesacker, and Tim Cahill are all better options than Jagielka.

According to Daily Mail, Arsenal were scouting Birmingham City centre-half Scott Dann. Pat Rice and scout Steve Rawley looked at Dann in a friendly match against Spurs. Liverpool also have interest in Dann, who many believe could bring a fee of £8m.

Dann would not add much to Arsenal. He is a solid defender, but he will not be able to change the mentality of our backline.

Per Mertesacker is interested in making a move to the Premier League, telling Bild: “For a national player it is a good thing to get experience of playing abroad. I have said that England excites me.”

The Werder Bremen centre-back has been linked with Arsenal in the past, and he is clearly trying to facilitate a move to the Emirates. Werder Bremen have said that they are willing to part with Mertesacker due to their depth at the back.

Mertesacker has 71 caps for Germany. The 26-year old has played in two World Cups. He brings the kind of experience Arsenal desperately need. Mertesacker is you typical hulking, German centre-half. Go ahead and sign him Arsene!

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Jagielka to refuse any Arsenal deal

  By jtom | 03/08/2011 - 8:30 AM | Transfer News
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Phil Jagielka is prepared to snub a move to Arsenal. Sources say that the England international would rather stay at Everton then move to the Emirates.

According to Daily Mirror, Phil Jagielka has told his mates that he will snub any deal sending him to Arsenal. Arsene Wenger was keen on bringing the 28-year old centre back to Arsenal, but now Wenger may have to look elsewhere for defensive assistance.

How far has Arsenal fallen now that a player like Jagielka will snub our club? Phil Jagielka is openly bragging to his friends about his rejection of the Gunners. It is disgraceful and shameful that a decent centre-back would not even welcome interest from Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger should focus his efforts elsewhere. Jagielka is no big prize. If he doesn’t want to come to Arsenal, then fine. Christopher Samba has already expressed his ambition to move to Arsenal. The Blackburn centre-half would be a much better fit at the Emirates than Jagielka.

Of course, this Daily Mirror piece could be just another anti-Arsenal article. There have been many articles in the papers claiming that the sky is falling in on Arsene Wenger and the Emirates. It has not happened yet. The Guardian again predicted that the Gunners will finish fifth this season. Time for Arsenal to prove the pundits and writers wrong… again.

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Transfer Rumours: Mata, Jagielka, Campbell

  By jtom | 30/07/2011 - 7:45 AM | Transfer News
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Tottenham have submitted a offer for Arsenal target Juan Mata, in an attempt to keep him away from the Emirates.  Arsenal are launching a new and improved bid for Everton’s Phil Jagielka.  Despite reports, Joel Campbell has not agreed to a move to Arsenal.

According to The Guardian, Spurs have submitted a £22m bid for Valencia winger Juan Mata.  Mata has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, but this Tottenham effort could sway Valencia and Mata towards White Hart Lane. 

Arsene Wenger has not yet made a formal offer for the 23-year old Spanish star.  The boss seems to be waiting on the Cesc Fabregas saga to make a decision.  £22m is more than what Arsenal are expected to offer, but Mata would prefer a move to the Gunners where he can compete in the Champions League.

Mata’s contract says that Valencia must sell him to any club that offers more than €21m.  Tottenham’s offer exceeds that amount, so the decision will be Mata’s.  Will he decide to wait on Arsenal or head to Spurs?

Some media outlets are reporting that Arsene Wenger is considering signing Juan Mata and Phil Jagielka in a terrific double swoop. 

According to Daily Mail and other sources, the Gunners are ready to make a fresh offer for the Eveton centre-back.  Wenger is willing to pay £15m for Jagielka but will try to secure the England international for £12m first according to Goal.com.  David Moyes is likely to reject this bid, just as he rejected the last bid of £10m that was submitted by Arsenal.

Everton rate Jagielka at £18m.  Yes, this price is far too high for the 28-year old centre-half.  Wenger should focus his efforts on Blackburn defender Christopher Samba, who will be a better help to the club and will come at a cheaper price.

Arsene Wenger clarified some of his transfer policy for this summer yesterday:  “Our business will be done sooner rather than later but it is difficult to speak about any individual player because that makes things difficult.  I cannot complain about other clubs talking about our players and then do the same.

“I like the player [Mata], but that does not mean we will buy him.  The other player [Jagielka] is under contract at Everton.  If we want to buy a player, we need first the agreement of their club.”

At least Wenger is acknowledging that he likes Juan Mata.  That is about the most anyone is ever going to get out of the boss.  Arsene will not break his own rules and talk extensively and confidently about players at other clubs.  That is just not the way he does business.

Yesterday morning, there were reports from Costa Rica that said Joel Campbell had signed with Arsenal.  The 19-year old striker had been linked with Arsenal in the past, and may yet join the Gunners.  The Costa Rican’s agent told ESPNsoccernet that there is “nothing official” about those reports.

Campbell currently plays in Costa Rica for Samprissa.  The 19-year old is a budding star who has attracted interest from English and Italian clubs.  Campbell made a splash playing for his country and is now poised for a move to Europe.

Let’s close with some comments that were made by Wenger yesterday regarding his transfer policy: 

“The only clubs who buy at the moment in Europe are ones who buy with money which is not generated by our industry. There are two categories of club – those who travel with sweat and those who travel with petrol. We are those who travel with sweat.”

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Transfer News: Fabregas, Jagielka, Mata

  By jtom | 22/07/2011 - 7:29 AM | Players, Transfer News
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Cesc Fabregas will reportedly miss the upcoming pre-season match in Germany as he awaits for a dream move to Barcelona.  Everton have turned down an Arsenal offer for Phil Jagielka.  Valencia will consider offers for Juan Mata, but the Spanish star says he is happy at Valencia.

According to Daily Mail, Cesc Fabregas will miss the match tomorrow against FC Cologne.  Wenger previously stated he expected Cesc to be available for the match, but it appears the Spaniard will have to stay home.  Fabregas wants to complete his move to Barcelona as soon as possible.

Remember when Wenger called Xavi “disrespectful.”  Well, the Barcelona midfield general responded yesterday:  “I’m sorry. My intention was not to offend Arsenal and Wenger.  We know Cesc has this desire to come and I said that he was suffering.  But I don’t want to offend either Wenger or Arsenal.

“I was only looking out for the interests of Cesc and Barca.  The controversy seems absurd to me – I don’t want to get into a war of words with Wenger.”

A half-hearted apology does nothing to cool my utter disdain for Barca’s tactics.  Their recruitment of Cesc has been inappropriate and pathetic.  Crying out for attention in the media all the time.  Good thing Fabregas has some decency and has not demanded a move despite these Camp Nou hyenas.

According to widespread reports that were originated by Daily Mail, Everton have rejected an Arsenal bid for Phil Jagielka.  Wenger offered around £12m for the 28-year old centre-back, but David Moyes believes his prized asset is worth £18 million.

Arsene should just step back from the Jagielka talks for the time being.  Go after Samba or Mertesacker and see if you can get them for cheap.  Jagielka is certainly not worth £18m, and Wenger can give in and pay Everton if he gets stuck.

Valencia are willing to listen to offers for Juan Mata according manager Unai Emery.  The 23-year old star will likely cost Wenger quite a bit of money.  But he could be the ideal replacement for Cesc Fabregas.  Mata has been used primarily on the wing by Valencia but he can move inside.

Valencia manager Unai Emery said this:  “We want him to stay and Mata has also expressed his wish to remain at Valencia, but we know that if a big-money offer comes in from any club and it’s good for both the player and the club, it could lead to his exit.”

This opens the door for Arsenal and other big clubs to bid on Mata.  Mata insists that he is happy at Valencia (told to Marca):  “I have never said I want to leave.  From here to August 31 if there are any offers then the first to know about it will be the club.  I never said I wasn’t happy here.”

If Wenger captures Mata, Real Madrid will be looming in the distance, ready to strike.  Once Mata blossoms into a superstar, Madrid will come knocking just as Barcelona are currently doing with Fabregas.  Mata spent a good deal of his life in the Real Madrid youth system.  I bet his lifelong dream is to play with the senior team.

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Transfer News: Campbell, Jagielka, Bendtner

  By jtom | 18/07/2011 - 7:22 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal have agreed in to sign Costa Rican star Joel Campbell.  Phil Jagielka has reportedly snubbed Arsenal to stay at Everton.  Everton could sign Nicklas Bendtner on loan.

Arsenal have made an agreement in principle to sign Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell.  Campbell currently plays for Costa Rican side C.D. Saprissa.  The president of Samprissa, Juan Roja, had this about to say to ADN Radio: 

“There is an agreement in principle already (with Arsenal), although everything is now on hold for Joel Campbell and his family to accept the transfer.

“No doubt, this would be an historical deal for the country, for Saprissa and for the player.  We are happy for him because this is a unique opportunity, one to which you cannot say no, and we cannot refuse an offer like this.”

Who is Joel Campbell?  He is a 19-year old striker who has recently caught on with Costa Rica.  Campbell has six caps for Costa Rica and two goals.  He scored the first against Cuba in the CONCACAF Gold Cup last month.  Earlier this month, Campbell scored his second against Bolivia in the Copa America.

According to Goal.com, Arsenal will pay £930,000 for Campbell, who has been on the radar of the top European clubs for a while.  He made nine appearances for the U-20 Costa Rican team and scored eight times.  The deal will be completed after personal terms and working permits are sorted out.

According to The Independent, Phil Jagielka would rather stay at Everton than move to the Emirates.  Wenger favours Jagielka over some of the other centre-backs that are linked with a move to Arsenal.  But the 28-year old no longer wants to play for Arsenal, as he did last summer.

Everton want between £15m-£20m for the England international.  He is not worth that kind of cash.  Gary Cahill or Christopher Samba would be better options.  Jagielka does not really impress me, and he is nearing the end of his peak effectiveness.

Samba is the perfect centre-half for us.  He is big, physical, and a leader.  Samba is also an excellent shot-blocker.  Cahill, my second choice, would cost just as much as Jagielka but the Bolton man is three years younger.

According to Sky Sports, Everton are looking to bring in Nicklas Bendtner on a loan deal.  The Toffees are looking for a more goals, and David Moyes believes that Bendtner can succeed at Goodison Park.

It will be interesting to see what Bendtner can accomplish as a starter in the Premier League.  This is not a done deal yet, but I have a feeling Wenger will send Bendtner on loan.  Arsene is not ready to give up on the Danish striker.

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Cesc or Nasri?

  By jtom | 25/06/2011 - 7:05 AM | Uncategorized
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Saturday Morning: There is a perception out there that Wenger will hold on to Cesc until Nasri makes a decision on his contract. Arsene will wants to keep at least on of these two stars. It appears Wenger would prefer to sign Nasri and then deal with Barcelona. So the question is: Who would you rather have?

Cesc Fabregas is the better player. He plays in the middle of the park and is more vital to the attack than Nasri. Arsene can sign some youngster from the France to replace Nasri in a minute. Eden Hazard could be available. Gervinho looks very close to making a move to the Emirates.

A central player is more important than an outside player in football. Always has. Doesn’t mean there are not fantastic wingers around, but they are more common. A centre half is more important than a left back, and a foward is more important than a winger. This is why Cesc will be the bigger loss if he goes to Barcelona.

On the other hand, Cesc really wants to play for Barca. Nasri, according to general consensus, is just looking for a higher wage. Samir may not be serious about leaving the club. Sure, he has courted Manchester United, but now they have a bevy of wingers. Fabregas has stated his love for Barca in the past.

Worst case scenerio: Nasri is sold this summer and Cesc forces his way out in Januaray or next summer. Best case scenerio: Nasri is signed to an extension on his contract and Cesc loses interest in Barca, or Barca loses interest in Cesc.

This summer should be about trimming the fat off the squad. I am talking about Denilson, Bendtner, Almunia, etc. Selling relatively young stars like Nasri and Cesc would signal a decline in the squad.

When the Invincibles were dissembled, many were no longer as effective. Vieira and Henry had a couple more competent seasons but Wenger cashed in a the right time. Cesc and Nasri, if sold, could go on to leave a bigger legacy at another club. This is not what we want, and it will certainly not attract top talent to the Emirates.

I am interested in your opinion because I am truly conflicted. Should we sell Cesc, Nasri, both, or neither? Please give thoughtful reasons to back up your claim.

In other news, rumours continue to swell regarding a number of players. Phil Jagielka has joined Samba and Cahill in Wenger’s search for defensive stability. Any of these three men would signal improvement. We will likely hear more about all three of them as we head into July and Arsene considers his options.

According to Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini, attacking midfielder Ricardo Alvarez has singed with Arsenal (told to Radio Kiss Kiss): “At this moment he (Alvarez) has already signed for the Gunners.

“We did have a concrete bid for Alvarez and had him in our grasp back in January. Unfortunately, we didn’t complete the move in time, so we lost him to Arsenal.”

We will have to wait for official confirmation but I don’t think a club president would lie about this. I don’t know much on Alvarez because he plays in Argentina. Some have billed the the 23-year old as the new Cesc Fabregas. Alvarez may get a chance to prove himself if Cesc moves on.

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