Wenger To Gun Down Rivals For Falcao?

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is preparing to swoop for River Plate striker Radamel Falcao.

Falcao is one of the hottest young forwards in South America at the moment, having scored 38 goals in 58 games during his three years so far at El Monumental.

The Colombian international has been targeted by some of Europe’s giants, including Real Madrid and Manchester United, the latter of whom are desperately seeking a prolific goal-scorer to lead their line.

But the Gunners have reportedly leaped the head of the queue and are willing to fork out ₤8million for Falcao, although los Millonarios are demanding ₤12million.

However, given Emmanuel Adebayor is edging ever closer to a mega-money Emirates exit, Wenger and co may just dish out the extra cash to land the 22-year-old hitman.

Yuri Zhirkov linked.

Reports in Russia claim that Arsenal could consider switching Russian targets by pursuing an interest in CSKA Moscow's Yuri Zhirkov.

The 24-year-old was outstanding for Russia in Euro 2008, excelling as an attacking left back, but prefers to play in a more advanced role down the flank.

With Gael Clichy firmly installed in the Gunners side, it is claimed that Arsene Wenger has thought about making an approach to Zhirkov to help counter the loss of Barcelona-bound Alexander Hleb.

Although Marseille's Samir Nasri is already on his way in to Emirates, Wenger is likely to be scrutinising various options in the transfer market.

Palermo have already made a firm bid to CSKA but the competition for his signature looks set to be fierce if his club agree to a sale.

Agent Alexei Safonov told Sport Express: "Zhirkov will be in demand everywhere - in England, Germany, Italy and Spain.

"Today, Yura is one of the strongest players in the world in his position.

"If CSKA want to sell for a peak price, they need to do so now.

"I think Zhirkov and [Zenit St Petersburg's] Andrei Arshavin could leave, Andrei to Spain."

Amaury Bischoff say he's coming !

Arsenal are weighing up a move for Werder Bremen's French-born midfielder Amaury Bischoff.

Werder Bremen midfielder Amaury Bischoff claims Arsene Wenger will sign him when the Arsenal manager returns from Austria.

Amaury Bischoff had this to say

“A few details are still to be finalised,”

“And most of all we’re waiting for Arsene Wenger’s return, he’s in Vienna for the Euros final.”

“But I’m hopeful I’ll sign in the next few days. Arsenal are a step higher (than Werder). I think I’ll play for the reserves at the start to recover my sensations, as I’ve not been playing for a long time.”

“And then it’s up to me to earn my place. The asset is that there’re a lot of games in England.”

“I’d have played much more without my thigh injury, because the technical staff trusted me,”

“But I at least took part in 10 or 15 Bundesliga games from the bench and did train with great players such as Diego, [Johann] Micoud, [Torsten] Frings or [Ivan] Klasnic.”

“It made me improve a lot. For the moment, my career is abroad.”

Lucho to leave Porto

Porto midfielder Lucho Gonzalez has admitted for the first time that he is likely to make an exit from Portugal this summer. A host of clubs are queueing up to land the talented centre mid.

Aston Villa, Fiorentina, Arsenal, Liverpool and AS Roma are all among the clubs showing an interest in Lucho.

"Personally, I think that this is the right moment to look for another challenge," he told O JOGO. "The players end a cycle in each club and I feel I have given many things to FC Porto, just like the club to me, and this is the right moment to take a decision that is good for everyone."

"The board wants me to stay but I have already expressed my intention to them."

Arsenal eye Valencia's David Silva

Arsene Wenger is reported to be eyeing Valencia's David Silva as Alexander Hleb's replacement should he leave the Emirates this summer.

Hleb has made no secret of his desire to leave Arsenal with Barcelona the latest club to have shown interest in the Belarus midfielder. However for a deal to be made Arsenal would demand £5 million and Yaya Toure in return.

Wenger was in Vienna on Sunday to see Spain's victory over Italy in Euro 2008 - a match decided by Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in a penalty shootout.

However, it is believed that he was not only there to support Fabregas but to watch Silva and witness what he would bring to the club.

Silva, 22, has had an impressive tournament and his versatility to play on either the left, the right or just off the frontman would no doubt appeal to Wenger.

A source at Arsenal said in the Sun: "Arsene wasn't just in Vienna to cheer on Cesc - he was there to take a good look at Silva.

"He is a player who would fit well in the Arsenal set-up especially if Hleb goes."

Arsenal linked with Marcos Senna, £6million La Liga star

Another La Liga player has been linked with a move to Arsenal Football Club.

Valencia pair David Villa and David Silva have already been linked with the Emirates Stadium this summer, following their impressive performances for Spain at Euro 2008.

And now it is believed that Arsene Wenger is keen to add Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna to his squad, and he is willing to pay as much as £10million to land his target during the summer transfer window.

How true these rumours are remain to be seen; after all, Wenger rarely offers players over 30 lengthy contracts and Senna, once a target for Manchester United, is 32-years-old next month.

Arsenal in shock move for Peter Crouch.

(What's this?)Arsene Wenger is considering a shock move for Peter Crouch to replace striker Emmanuel Adebayor, it emerged last night.

The Arsenal boss is also watching Euro 2008 Germany flop Mario Gomez and Blackburn hitman Roque Santa Cruz as he prepares to sell Adebayor to AC Milan.

Super-agent Vincenzo Morabito told Italian TV show Studio Sport: "Arsenal are exploring the transfer market for a substitute for Adebayor.

"The names being talked about are Peter Crouch, Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz and Germany forward Mario Gomez.

"What are the chances of Adebayor joining Milan? At this stage, we are at 70 per cent to 80 per cent."

Morabito, one of the agents involved in the deal, revealed that the Gunners are willing to let their Togo marksman leave once they get one of the replacements on their three-man shortlist.

Liverpool are willing to part with Crouch - who has one year left on his contract - for around £12million