Swiss international prodigy Eren Derdiyok is a target for Arsenal.

The Daily Mail says manager Arsene Wenger has been impressed by the 19-year-old, who has just helped FC Basel win a league and cup double - and who also interests Newcastle.

Striker Derdiyok scored a spectacular goal against England on his national debut as Switzerland lost 2-1 at Wembley in February. Basel have already rejected a £2.5m bid for the teenager from Turkish club Trabzonspor.

Arsenal ponder bid for Mallorca striker Guiza

Arsenal are eyeing Real Mallorca striker Dani Guiza.

Marca says the Gunners have sounded out Mallorca about Guiza's availability and are ready to compete with Barcelona for the Spain international forward.

Rubén De la Red rumour.

Arsenal are weighing up a move for Rubén De la Red after joining Atlético de Madrid, Villarreal and Sevilla in the queue to try and prise him away from Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old has been told by Los Merengues that he is part of their first team plans after being taken back to the Bernabéu from Getafe, but he could still be sold on, according to Marca.

Bernd Schuster is said to be a fan of the Spanish international, who is currently preparing for Euro 2008 with la Selección, but knows that he has a price on his head.

Arsène Wenger is believed to have asked the Arsenal board to make contact in order to gauge and asking price and a fee slightly in excess of €10m has been mooted.

N'Zogbia to sign soon.

The French midfielder has become unsettled on Tyneside, despite signing a new five-year deal at St James' Park back in August.

Charles N'Zogbia can play in midfield and defence
Spurs made an approach for the 21-year-old midfielder during the January transfer window but were told by Kevin Keegan he was not for sale.

Keegan is keen to hold onto the France U21 international but has been made aware of the player's determination to leave Newcastle for a London club.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is known to be an admirer of the versatile N'Zogbia, who is equally comfortable in defence, and sees him as perfect in strengthening Arsenal's left side, giving them width, and backing up Clichy, who played every league game last season.

Blaise Matuidi, the Saint-Etienne defensive midfield player, is set to join The Arsenal next week.

He said: "Arsenal are my favourite club. They build, thanks to youngsters.

"And to me, Arsene Wenger is the best coach in the world."

Torric Jibril set to sign. Arsenal will get £1.5million African wonderkid.

The midfielder, 16, will join the Gunners subject to a two-week trial next month from Ghanaian side Hearts of Oak.

Torric said: “I am ready to play under coach Wenger and I will be happy to show the world what I can do.

“I like the style of play of Arsenal because of the silky skills and that is what I can add to the team.

“If I am given the chance I know I can play in the first team - I am not afraid.

"We play before big crowds and even though they call me a small boy I am not afraid of them.”

Torric’s agent Prince Omar Ibrahim added: “We have received the documents from Arsenal inviting Torric for trials from June.

“We have taken the future development of the player into consideration and we all know that there is coach better than Arsene Wenger who can do the work

“We must not forget that for a multi-talented young African player he needs an African environment to probably flourish.

"Arsenal offers that more than any other team with several African players at the club.

“But Arsenal must be ready to pay the price demanded by his club and also assure us that he will develop well.

“Torric is the next big thing to hit world football and you need to see his unbelievable qualities.

"At this age to be playing in Ghana’s midfield full of talented players should tell you a lot.”

Clement Chantome will sign in the next few days.

Chantome was one of the few Paris Saint Germain players to come out of last season with any plaudits after a string of impressive displays in central midfield.

The 22-year-old has been likened to Mathieu Flamini and Wenger is reported to have met with the French Under 21 international in the last week.

Francis Coquelin allegedly has signed.

Arsenal are also being linked with this youngster. The 17-year-old Stade Lavallois midfielder had a recent trial with the north Londoners cut short becuase of injury.

Coquelin is a rugged, strong, aggressive defensive midfielder. Blessed with a super passing range as well as all the combative qualities you would expect from a holding central player. He plys his trade for Stade Lavallois and has already featured on various occasions for the Reserves, after being promoted from the Under 18s.

Felipe Baloy not yet signed.

Gunners knocked back in bid for Panama star

ARSENAL have had a reported bid of £1.5million rejected for defender Felipe Baloy by Mexican club Monterrey.

The Gunners have been told to cough up Baloy's £2.25million buyout clause, although sources close to the negotiations say a deal is unlikely at this stage.

Panama international captain Baloy, 27, has made 26 appearances for his country, scoring one goal.

Wenger Eyes Shock Saha Swoop

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could pull off the biggest surprise of the summer by signing Manchester United striker Louis Saha…

The Gunners are in the market for a new striker as rumours continue to swell regarding Barcelona’s interest in Emmanuel Adebayor.

The North Londoners have recently been linked with Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez, as well as Blackburn hitman Roque Santa Cruz and Ajax gun Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

But reports from England suggest Wenger is lining up a shock ₤5 million bid for Saha, with the French forward facing the axe at Old Trafford this summer.

The United benchwarmer has suffered a string of injuries since his ₤12.8 million move from Fulham in 2004, and he admitted recently that Wednesday’s Champions League final against Chelsea could be his last game for United.

“The future isn't in my hands,” said the 29-year-old. “I know this could be my last game, and I would understand if the manager went for another striker. I can't speak about my future too much really now, though.”

Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to sell to his rivals, however, given the saga that surrounded Liverpool’s approach for ex-United defender Gabriel Heinze last summer.

But with Saha impressing during the Red Devils’ visit to the Emirates earlier in the season, Wenger may be bent on luring the silky striker down south to add to the Gunners’ already healthy French contingent

Gunners boss eyes Delgado as replacement for Flamini

Matias Delgado has emerged as a target for the Gunners.

ARSENAL are reported to be interested in Besiktas midfielder Matias Delgado as Arsene Wenger searches for a replacement for Mathieu Flamini.

The £7million-rated Argentinian has emerged as a target for Wenger after impressing in the holding midfield role for the Turkish outfit.

Delgado, 25, began his career at FC Basel in Switzerland, with a fantastic scoring record of almost one every two games from midfield.

After moving to Besiktas for 6.5million euros in 2006, he has continued to improve.

Wenger may see him as an ideal replacement for Flamini, who joined AC Milan earlier this month.

Frey to replace departing Lehmann?


A number of top European clubs are reportedly monitoring goalkeeper Sebastien Frey's situation at Fiorentina.

Frey enjoyed another impressive season at Stadio Artemio Franchi as Fiorentina finished fourth in Serie A.

The 28-year-old's displays also saw him recently named in Raymond Domenech's provisional France squad for Euro 2008.

Bayern Munich are rumoured to be extremely keen to sign Frey following Oliver Kahn's retirement; however L'Equipe claims they face competition from Arsenal, Milan and Barcelona.

Fiorentina are said to be open to offers of €20million (£16million) for Frey, who has three years remaining on his current deal.

So that's The Arsenal ruled out then!!!

Arsenal eye £12million Kranjcar

Arsenal Football Club are lining up a stunning bid for Niko Kranjcar.

The Croatian international midfielder has been instrumental in Portsmouth's great first half of the season, whilst he also played a key role in ensuring England will have no role in Euro 2008 this summer.

It is now being rumoured that Arsene Wenger is keen to add the 23-year-old to his Gunners squad, despite the fact that the midfield playmaker has told Portsmouth News he is happy at Fratton Park.

"I'm happy here, I'm not even thinking about bigger clubs," said Kranjcar.

However, Wenger believes the former Hajduk Split man fits the bill for his young and exciting Arsenal future, and he will attempt to lure him to the Emirates Stadium with an offer of £12million at the end of the season.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz has emerged as a potential target for Arsene Wenger should Arsenal lose Emmanuel Adebayor to Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

The Spanish club's new manager Josep Guardiola is planning a major overhaul of the club's squad and is reported to be interested in taking the rangy forward to the club

Adebayor was one of Arsenal's stand out performers in the recently ended Premier League season and, though he has expressed contentment at Arsenal, he went on record to say he was flattered by interest from one of Europe's leading clubs.

Arsenal have already seen Mathieu Flamini join AC Milan on a free transfer and Alexander Hleb, too, is likely to leave North London, with Italian champions Inter leading the chase for his signature.

Adebayor's current deal is worth around £35,000 a week and with Arsenal unable to fend off any substantial offer from a big club with greater financial muscle Arsene Wenger is privately resigned to losing the player and is making alternative plans.

Croatian striker Eduardo is unlikely to play any meaningful football before Christmas as he continues his recovery from the horrific leg break he suffered at Birmingham earlier in the season whilst concerns persist over Robin van Persie after a season blighted by a series of minor injuries.

Santa Cruz scored 19 league goals in 37 appearances for Blackburn after his £3.8 million transfer from Bayern Munich last summer.

The Paraguayan signed on a four-year deal though Wenger is sure that he will receive sufficient backing to meet the demands of Blackburn and the player to facilitate a deal.

Wenger has been impressed by the way Cruz adapted quickly to the particular demands of English football is keen to bring in a player who is familiar with the physical nature of the Premier League and as such would be able to offer a reliable option in an area of the team that was at times found wanting last season.

Though Cruz is an experienced domestic and international player, at 26 he would still fit with Wenger's policy of signing young players with a view to developing them further within the squad.

When Thierry Henry left Arsenal to join Barcelona many predicted that Arsenal would suffer and the fact that they were able to manage his absence was in large part due to Adebayor's contribution.

However, his influence within the dressing room does not always lead to harmony. He has had public falling outs with the management of his national side and during Arsenal's 5-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Carling Cup he and fellow striker Nicklas Bendtner clashed on the pitch.


Wenger may well be forced to sell before he can embark on serious summer spending after he was informed by the Arsenal board that the money for improved contracts to keep established players - most notably Cesc Fabregas - at the club will have to come out of the £50 million budget earmarked for this close season.

Aquilani to Arsenal ?

Arsenal have been linked with an ambitious raid on AS Roma to sign Italy international midfielder Alberto Aquilani.
The 23-year-old has been capped four times by the Azzurri after breaking into the full international side on the back of an impressive European Championship for the under-21s last year.

Aquilani made 26 appearances for Roma during the recently completed Serie A season and is reportedly high on Gunners boss Arsene Wenger's wishlist to replace AC Milan-bound midfielder Mathieu Flamini.

The player's agent, Vincenzo Morabito, claims his client is already in talks with the north London club over a reported £12million summer transfer.

"Aquilani is speaking to Arsenal," he told Italian media.

"We will have to see if Roma will be able to match his demands."

Saint-Etienne right-back Mahamadou Dabo is in the sights of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
Wenger is keen to strengthen his fullback options next season and the Sunday Telegraph says he has Dabo under consideration for the summer market.

Why this should be so, when we have the best Right Back in the PL playing for us, and a decent back-up in Eboue...and Hoyte... astounds me, but maybe Eboue has cemented his place at Right Midfield, and Hoyte is off to Villa ?

Lille midfielder Jean Makoun set to join.

Arsenal want to sign Lille midfielder Jean II Makoun as a replacement for the outgoing Mathieu Flamini, according to Makoun’s agent Jean-Christophe Thouvenel.

"Discussions are very advanced with a London club," claimed Jean-Christophe Thouvenel.

A new cycle will start there and I expect a very important transfer for the player."

Lilian Thuram linked again, ffs.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is eager to sign experienced French defender Lilian Thuram.

Veloso linked to The Arse.

With Mathieu Flamini gone and Alexander Hleb seemingly close to an Emirates exit, the latest name being linked with a move to North London to plug the gap is Sporting midfielder Miguel Veloso.

The 22-year-old Portugal international is believed to fit the bill for Wenger, who is looking to replace the Milan-bound Flamini with a similarly defence-minded midfield player.

Reports from Veloso’s homeland suggest that negotiations may be entered into over the coming weeks as The Gunners do not want to lose out on him, as he has also courted interest from Manchester City while being constantly linked with their rivals United over the past 18 months.

A stumbling block appears in the suggested €30 million (£23.9m) release fee clause in Veloso’s contract, a sum that Portuguese publication O Jogo maintains the Arsenal board will meet in order to secure the player’s services.

Arsenal interested in signing Mauro Zarate

Arsene Wenger is interested in bringing Argentine youngster Mauro Zarate to Arsenal as he looks to improve the depth of his squad in an area in which the club were exposed last season.

A long-term injury to Croatian striker Eduardo and persistent fitness problems experienced by Robin van Persie across a frustrating season for the talented Dutchman have convinced Wenger that additional numbers are needed to support Emmanuel Adebayor and the emerging Theo Walcott.

Young gun? Mauro Zarate impressed during loan spell at Birmingham City
Zarate impressed in his short spell in the Premier League when he scored four goals in Birmingham City's failed bid to stay in the Premier League after joining on loan mid-way through the season.

A tricky, mobile forward, Zarate is able to play across the front line and the Under-21 international would fit with Wenger's policy of buying young players and developing them at the club.

Birmingham gave up their option on the player when their relegation was confirmed and Zarate is scheduled to return to his current owners, Al Saad Sports Club of Qatar, when their season restarts in the Autumn.

However, the former Velez Sarsfield player would much prefer to stay in Europe and the Premier League.

Nasri for Arsenal.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is believed to be preparing a summer swoop for highly-rated Marseille starlet Samir Nasri.The Gunners are keen to bolster their midfield options following the departure of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan and have identified the French international as their prime target.

The 21-year-old signed a new long-term contract at Stade Velodrome just a fortnight ago, but it is understood that the deal was only agreed in order to settle a transfer protocol with the Ligue 1 club.

Marseille are subsequently in a position to demand 17.8million euros (£14million) for the player, a figure which Arsene Wenger may struggle to meet.

If the Gunners fail in their attempts to bring the playmaker to Emirates Satdium, Internazionale and Real Madrid are expected to renew the interest they showed in Nasri last year.

Eric Gerets admits that the likelihood of keeping the midfielder in France looks slim and expects one of Europe's top clubs to come knocking during the close season.

"Before thinking about bringing in reinforcements over the summer we need to know who is going to stay, and above all the players I want to keep," the Marseille boss told L'Equipe.

"If there is a big offer for Samir, then of course he will leave.

"I can't criticise the club because it is the same everywhere. When there is a huge offer made, players leave."

FORMER Arsenal target Yoann Gourcuff has hinted that he may be forced to move out on loan after a season of limited opportunities with AC Milan.

The Italians signed the young Frenchman despite heavy interest from the Gunners.

And the midfielder has suggested that he may have to look elsewhere for regular football.

"My father came to Milan and we discussed with the leaders," Gourcuff told radio station RMC.

"I do not want to endure a second season like this one. I want to play.

"I am leaning towards a loan option. It is necessary that I find playing time with a good club."

It remains to be seen if the Gunners will reaffirm their interest in the 21-year-old.

Gervinho to Arsenal ?

The 20-year-old has been tracked by Arsene Wenger since his days in Ivory Coast and then at Belgian club Beveren - who had a co-operation agreement with Arsenal from 2001 to 2006.
Gervinho only moved to France last year but he has already become one of Le Mans' top performers and he is now attracting interest from some of Ligue 1's big hitters in the shape of Monaco, Marseille and Paris Saint Germain.

Arsenal were believed to have made the player an offer before he joined Le Mans and are now considering a renewed bid for the youngster - who is tipped for big things by compatriot Didier Drogba.
"If he is lucky with injuries, in the next two years he could be at the same level as Ronaldo, Messi, Nani - those top young players, he is so good," said Drogba.

Arsenal link
Arsenal are no strangers to hiring Ivorian and Gervinho - who made his international debut at the African Cup of Nations earlier this year - is attracted by the possibility of a move to North London, where compatriots Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue already play, but he is not ruling out the possibility of remaining with Le Mans.

"To play for Arsenal would be fantastic," he said.
"Arsene Wenger is the best coach in the world, however I am fine in Le Mans and I am learning my football here.
"I am getting help from everyone and I am happy here and at the moment I still need to learn a lot - but things can change very quickly."

Seydou Keita, the Malian football midfielder currently playing for Sevilla FC, seems to be Wenegrs next target in this transfer season. Keita made his senior debut for Olympique Marseille in September 1999, although shortly after he transferred to FC Lorient. After two years playing for Lorient, Keita moved to RC Lens, eventually working his way up to the captain role. On July 11, 2007, Lens reluctantly sold their captain after Keita reached an agreement with Sevilla for the next four seasons.

Lille star Jean Makoun claims that Arsenal could launch a summer bid for his services, with Manchester United apparently still keeping close tabs on his progress as well.



Makoun spurned the advances of both United and Lyon last summer and he remains one of Ligue 1's most coveted performers.


The Cameroon midfielder signed a new deal with the French side in October, but, with the summer transfer window appearing on the horizon, speculation regarding a move to the Premiership has arisen once more.


The 23-year-old claims that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has contacted him, and that the North London side are a possible destination should he opt to leave Lille.


Makoun has also insisted he remains in contact with Premiership leaders Manchester United despite their continued interest in Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves.


"Arsenal are a possibility," admitted Makoun in the Sunday Mirror.


"I know their scouts have come to see me play several times and I have had a phone call from Arsene Wenger too."


Makoun added regarding United: "They were in touch with me last year and I know they are still interested because I am still in contact with them."


The Lille star reportedly has a £14million release clause inserted in his contract and the French side's resolve to keep their star man looks likely to be tested when the transfer window opens.

Ignacio 'Nacho' Camacho for The Gooners ?

ARSENAL could be set to move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Ignacio 'Nacho' Camacho according to newspaper reports.

The People says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sent top scout Steve Rowley to watch 18-year-old Camacho score twice for Atletico last weekend.

The former Real Zaragoza trainee is known for his attacking midfield qualities with an eye for goal as well.

The teenager has also impressed while skippering the Spanish under-17 team in recent tournaments and Arsenal will move in fast to sign him.

Wenger will have to find a reported £15million if he wants to pursue his interest in Camacho, despite him only playing 11 times for the Spanish outfit

Valencia central defender Raul Albiol, who would cost about £7m, has been targetted by Wenger who is anxious to bolster his defence and has his sights set on the classy defender. The Sunday Mirror says Albiol, who is rated in the £10million bracket, can provide the power Arsenal missed in the run-in to their trophy-less campaign.

WENGER'S DUNNE DEAL

ARSENAL are weighing up a shock cut-price £1million deal for Manchester City's defensive skipper Richard Dunne.

The Republic of Ireland international will be available for that knockdown figure under a FIFA regulation that allows him to buy out the remaining year of his contract.

Vincent Kompany to The Arsenal ?

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has rekindled his interest in Hamburg's £15m-rated Belgian centre back Vincent Kompany.

After having a rough couple of seasons with HSV due to injuries and family problems, Vincent Kompany may consider making a fresh start with Arsenal London.

The Arsenal need a centre.back, and Wengerhas been quoted as saying tat signing a defender is a priority this summer.

With Belgium not having qualified for EURO 08 there should be plenty of time for Wenger and Kompany to complete a deal.

Mario Gomez on the way to The Grove ?

Arsenal are set to make a £10million swoop for Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez.

Gomez - born in Germany to a Spanish father and German mother - is seen as one of the rising stars in the Bundesliga and has scored 38 goals in 87 games for his club.

Although he could be selected by Spain, Gomez opted to play for the country of his birth and has already been capped nine times, scoring on six occasions.

At 22, he is the perfect age for recruitment by Arsenal manager Wenger, who prefers to mould players into his way of playing rather than spend big on top players who can be set in his ways.


"We don't buy superstars," Wenger said earlier this season. "We make them."

Gomez certainly has potential and would be the perfect addition to the Gunners' current strike force of Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner.

And, with Adebayor demanding a contract review this summer, Gomez could emerge as an exciting replacement for the team's leading marksman.

Arsenal watch as PSV's Salcido seeks Premiership move


PSV Eindhoven defender Carlos Salcido is keen on a move to the Premiership.
Arsenal and Wigan Athletic are being linked with the Mexico international.

Arsenal and Newcastle tracking Sessegnon.


Le Mans midfielder Stephane Sessegnon is being tracked by Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has already been in contact with the French club as he faces up to losing Mathieu Flamini to either Juventus or AC Milan.

Le Mans also claim to have had an approach from Newcastle on the back of the Benin international's impressive displays the African Cup of Nations.

Michael Johnson to Arsenal ?

Spurs and Arsenal do battle for £12 million England midfielder

Arsenal and Tottenham are to do battle for Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson come the opening of the summer transfer window. (News of the World)

Johnson, 20, has progressed through the ranks at City over the past few years but talk of a player mutiny at the club has led to speculation that he amongst many other City players will leave in the summer.

The England under-21 international is widely regarded as one of England hottest prospects and it comes as no surprise to me to see sides like Spurs and Arsenal interested. Johnson is currently valued around the £12 million mark.

Arsenal move? ... Obafemi Martins.

Arsenal eye £15m United striker

Arsene Wenger has the green light move for Newcastle's Obafemi Martins.
The Nigerian striker has reportedly been a long-time target for the Gunner and is tipped to make a £15m summer switch to the Emirates Stadium in the summer, reports the News of the World.

Martins has been in impressive form for United since Keegan opted to make him part of a three-pronged attack for the Magpies, a tactical switch which has resulted in Newcastle going on a seven-match unbeaten run.

Kenwyne Jones to The Arse ?

SUNDERLAND boss Roy Keane faces a tough summer persuading Kenwyne Jones to stay at Sunderland, according to reports.

The former Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday has had an impressive first season in the Premiership since making a £6m move to the Black Cats and Keane has reportedly knocked back inquiries from Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, who are all interested in signing the Trinidad and Tobago striker, reckons the News of the World.

On 11 May 2007, Southampton manager George Burley stated that "Kenwyne is another Didier Drogba in the making, as far as physical attributes, his strength and power in the air are second to none".

Chelsea captain John Terry praised Jones, saying: "Jones was fantastic and I have played against him twice now. He is a very good player, very hard working and probably the best in the air in the entire Premier League, he really is that good" after Chelsea had won the match 1–0 on 15 March 2008.

Praise indeed, and just what The Arsenal need.