Dortmund tell Arsenal : Hands off Gotze

Arsenal fans will get their first glimpse of German wunderkind Mario Gotze - but Borussia Dortmund have warned they shouldn't get used to him.

The 19-year-old is at the top of Arsene Wenger's wish-list, while Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also in the hunt for the forward.

German international Gotze impressed in the clubs' first meeting of the Champions League group phase in September, and the £30m-rated teenager will now get his chance to shine at the Emirates as the clubs clash again.

But Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp insisted that Gotze will not be affected by the transfer tug-of-war - and confirmed he does not want to sell him in January.

"Nothing can happen in January. It's not a problem. Arsenal is only about 10 per cent of what is written in Germany, so it's not a problem," said Klopp.

"Apparently, Bayern Munich are interested in him. He scored one against Bayern Munich and I will be happy if he wins against Arsenal.

"Nobody buys a player from Borussia Dortmund just like that. Not even Arsenal.

"Luckily, his focus is not an issue. He's very relaxed about that."

Gotze was outstanding in Dortmund's away win over Bayern at the weekend and has promised that his team will go for all-out attack at the Emirates.

Arsenal need to win the match to secure qualification to the knock-out stage, but Gotze and Klopp have admitted it's also win or bust for Dortmund.

"This match comes at a good time for us after the win in Munich. We need to win and that's our objective," said Gotze.

"I've heard the rumours from the Premier League, but I never let that affect me. I'm only focused on Dortmund, now more than ever.

"We won't play a conservative system, that would be a mistake. We want to win and to do that we need to play an offensive game."

Klopp, meanwhile, added that it would be "fatal" for his side just to concentrate on Arsenal's in-form Dutch striker Robin van Persie.

"We won't have four men on Robin," he said. "The easiest way is that he doesn't get good balls and we have measures for that.

"It would be fatal to focus only on Van Persie. We have to take care of Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey - you get punished if you let them go. Song too.

"We have to focus on what we do - that will mean Arsenal cannot play their game. That is how we would like it."

Squillaci targeted for loan move

West Ham have had a move to sign Arsenal misfit Sebastien Squillaci on loan knocked back.

The Gunners are ready to listen to offers for the 31-year-old French defender, but it is left loaning him out now could jeopardise a permanent move to another club in January.

Squillaci has already appeared for Arsenal in the Carling Cup this season, and players can only turn out for three clubs in a single campaign with special dispensation - which is usually only granted for young players or those involved in contract disputes.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, who signed Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia on loan earlier this season, is after emergency cover in defence as Hammers pursue an instant return to the Premier League.

A permanent deal for Squillaci with the east London side is thought to be unlikely.

Barca target Alex Song

Alex Song is a target for ­Barcelona.

The 24 year old Arsenal midfield player is seen as the ideal replacement for Mali international Seydou Keita who plans to quit the Camp Nou next June.

Song has impressed ­Gunners’ manager Arsene Wenger this season and ­Arsenal have already made one attempt to secure the Cameroon international on a longer deal.

There are still more than three years to run on his current contract but Wenger views Song as a major asset as his versatility has seen him play him in both ­central defence and midfield.

Arsenal’s initial offer was rejected, but Wenger is determined and is certain to come back in an attempt to keep Song for another four years at least.

If Song refuses the offer Barcelona are ready to swoop next summer.

They are ready to pay more than £15million and manager Pep Guardiola will first talk to former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas, "who moved to Barcelona from Arsenal for £35m in the summer, rates his ex-team-mate highly so that will tempt Guardiola."

Song is reluctant to uproot his family from London, but might well be tempted by the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play for the team currently rated the best in world football.

Joey Barton hits out at Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood to reiterate claims that the Gunners tried to sign him

QPR midfielder Joey Barton has insisted that Arsenal attempted to sign him in the summer, after seeing his claims dismissed by Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood.


Barton had previously stated that a clash with Gervinho in the first game of the season may have cost him a move to Arsenal upon leaving Newcastle United at the end of the transfer window.

He told The Sunday Mirror: "Peter Hill-Wood said they never had any serious interest in me, I just don't understand. The dialogue between him and his coaching staff has broken down so severely that he doesn't know what's going on at his football club.

"I don't know [why Hill-Wood said that]. Fair enough if I was claiming to sign for Real Madrid or Barcelona or Manchester City or Manchester United, but I don't think it's that big of a shout to say Arsenal were after me because it's definitely a club in - what shall I say? - transition."

The former Manchester City man also went on to express his shock at Arsenal's decline and poor current form.

The Gunners sit in 15th place in the Premier League following a poor start to the season and have struggled through their Champions League ties.

Barton continued: "Financially, they have put themselves in a great position but I don't know what's happening there.

"I don't understand. You look at Arsenal and you think, 'Well, they obviously have an abundance of money'. Their stadium is almost paid for. I would say, financially, they are the most well-run club in the league, barring Manchester City.

"I watched them the other day, it's a very different side from that great team they had with Petit and Vieira. If I was an Arsenal fan... well.

"It's nothing to do with me because it's not my football club but, even so, I like to see those great English sides do well. I remember watching the Champions League and Arsenal against Olympiakos at home was a shoo-in, four or five-nil win for Arsenal, but they made hard work of it. But this is the game we're in."

Arteta joins Arsenal on a four-year deal

Arsenal has confirmed that they have agreed to sign Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta from Everton for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old arrives at Emirates Stadium on a four-year deal with a wealth of Barclays Premier League experience, having been with the Merseyside outfit since 2005. After starting his career as a trainee with FC Barcelona, Arteta was loaned to Paris Saint-Germain before making his name in the Scottish Premier League with Rangers, where he was a member of the domestic treble winning side of 2002-3.

A year long spell in Spain with Real Sociedad followed before he teamed up with David Moyes’ side, initially on loan, in 2004-5. The Spaniard went on to score 28 goals in 174 Premier League appearances for the Toffees.

Arteta has represented Spain at Under-21 level, but has not played for the senior national team.

The deal is subject to the completion of formal registration processes.

Everyone at Arsenal wishes Mikel every success at the Club.

Arsenal agree loan move for Yossi Benayoun

Arsenal has confirmed that they have agreed to sign Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun on a season-long loan deal.

The Israeli captain arrives at Emirates Stadium with a wealth of Premier League experience, having spent successful spells at West Ham United and Liverpool before his move to Stamford Bridge.

The 31-year old started his career in Israel with Hapoel Be’er Sheva, before sealing a move to Maccabi Haifa.

A switch to La Liga with Racing de Santander followed in 2002, before the midfielder secured a move to England in 2005 with then Premier League newcomers West Ham United. After excelling at Upton Park, Benayoun moved to Liverpool in 2007, scoring 18 goals in 92 appearances for the Reds, before his switch to Premier League rivals Chelsea in July 2010.

Everyone at Arsenal wishes Yossi every success during his time with the Club.

Nicklas Bendtner loaned to Sunderland

Striker Nicklas Bendtner has joined Sunderland on a season-long loan.

With new signing South Korea captain Chu Young Park joining a front line that also includes Robin van Persie, Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho, Bendtner will spend the 2011/12 campaign at the Stadium of Light.

The 23-year-old Denmark international has featured 156 times for Arsenal scoring 45 times, since joining the Club as a youth player in 2004.

A former Danish player of the Year, he has 38 caps and 12 goals for his country.

Bendtner previously enjoyed a successful season-long loan spell with Birmingham City in 2006/07, where he scored a winning goal on his debut, going on to rack up 13 goals in 48 games for the Blues.

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Nicklas the best of luck for his time with Steve Bruce’s side.

Per Mertesacker completes Arsenal move

Arsenal Football Club has completed the signing of Germany defender Per Mertesacker on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee. 

At 26, the 6ft 6in centre-back has significant experience at both club and international level.

Mertesacker has enjoyed eight seasons in the Bundesliga - five with Werder Bremen and three with Hannover 96 - making 221 league appearances in total and finding the net on 19 occasions.

The former Werder Bremen captain also played 53 times in Europe for the Green-Whites, including the 2009 Europa League Final. In 75 games for Germany, Mertesacker has helped his country to the Semi-Finals of the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and to the Final of the 2008 European Championship.

“We are delighted to welcome Per Mertesacker to the Club," said Arsène Wenger. "He is a German international with vast experience and strength and is good on the floor and in the air. I believe he will be well-suited to the Premier League and a tremendous asset to the team.”

Mertesacker said: “I had a great time at SV Werder Bremen and I’m grateful to the club. Moving to London enables me to fulfil a dream and a further step in my career. The Premier League has always represented a great challenge for me.”

Mertesacker will wear the No 4 shirt for Arsenal.

Arsenal to sign striker Chu Young Park

Arsenal Football Club can confirm they have agreed to sign striker Chu Young Park from AS Monaco.

The 26-year-old South Korea captain scored 25 times in 91 appearances for the French club during three seasons in Ligue 1.

The one-time Asian Young Footballer of the Year made his debut for the South Korea senior side at just 19, and played in both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. He replaced the retired Ji Sung Park as captain of the national team earlier this year.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: “We are delighted to have signed Chu. He will add true quality to our attacking forces and will be a valuable addition to the squad.”

Chu Young Park said: "I am very honoured and I feel very happy to be at Arsenal. It is a dream to be here and I am really proud to be an Arsenal player. Now I just want to show how good I am and prove myself.

"In my opinion this is a great club, now I have to show what I can do on the pitch. I will do my best, I will never give up, I will show heart, I will give everything and I hope [the fans] will support me."

The deal is subject to the completion of formal registration processes.

Chu Young Park will wear the No 9 shirt at Arsenal. The striker prefers to be known as 'Ju' and will therefore have J. Y. Park as his shirt name.

Arsenal to make improved £12m offer for Bolton defender Gary Cahill

Arsenal will reportedly make another offer for Bolton defender Gary Cahill, according to The Sunday Mirror.


The Gunners had a bid rejected on Thursday for the stopper, with report suggestion a fee of just £6 million was offered for the England international, which was roundly rejected by the Reebok Stadium club, with manager Owen Coyle slamming the bid in his press conference ahead of Botlon's weekend clash with Liverpool.

Now, Arsenal are reportedly preparing a new £12 million bid for Cahill, which could rise to £15 million depending on any honours he wins for either club or country during a proposed five-year contract.

Since joining Bolton in 2008, Cahill has made 114 appearances and scored 12 goals, while he has also made three appearances for England since making his debut against Bulgaria in September 2010.

Arsenal target Eden Hazard prepared to leave Lille this summer for 'the right opportunity'

The French champions have been bullish about holding on to the golden boy of Belgian football, who they value at around the £26 million mark.


Hazard told the Lille hierarchy earlier in the window that he would like to stay in France for one more season before moving to one of Europe’s big guns.


But a source close to the 20-year-old playmaker told Goal.com: “Eden has said all along that he won’t leave until next year unless the right opportunity comes along. It would need to be a club who can match his ambitions but they are running out of time to get him.”


Arsenal are heading the queue for Hazard and made their interest known to Lille earlier in the window and again in recent weeks.


The two clubs have a good relationship following the sale of Gervinho to the Emirates Stadium last month, while Hazard’s age, ability and technique appeal greatly to Arsene Wenger.


However, the French club are in a strong position to hold on to their prize asset in the window after generating £20m from the sales of three of their title-winning team – Gervinho, Yohan Cabaye to Newcastle and Adil Rami to Valencia.


Arsenal are believed to be unwilling to pay more than £20m for a player who was dropped from the Belgium team for a friendly in June for misconduct following his reaction to being substituted in a Euro 2012 qualifier.


Lille believe that Hazard could be worth another £5m in 12 months’ time if he has another strong season in France, which could enable them to demand more than £30m for a player who has been tracked by all the elite European clubs.


Lille general manager Frederic Paquet has said: "Eden will not be leaving this season. We are aware of interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe but we are not prepared to sell.


"He is very happy here, he understands our project and wants to stay for at least another year."

Oxlade-Chamberlain seals move to Arsenal

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has completed his move to Arsenal having agreed personal terms and undergone a medical at the club's training ground earlier today.

The 17-year-old arrived at Arsenal's London Colney training ground this afternoon to undergo a medical after the club reached an agreement on a package worth £12 million to take the player, 18 next week, to the Emirates Stadium from Southampton.


Oxlade-Chamberlain joins the Gunners following his breakthrough season at St Mary's Stadium, where he played a key role as Southampton were promoted from League One to the Championship, scoring 10 goals in 41 league appearances before being voted in the PFA League One Team of the Year.

After completing the signing of the youngster, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told the club's official website: "We are delighted that Alex has decided to join us.

"He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality. Alex is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking centre midfielder, or wide left and right.

"Alex is a perceptive passer of the ball and has a great understanding of the game and looks to be a very good team player."

Wenger continued: "Alex has done extremely well during his development with Southampton and we are looking forward to him progressing even further and fulfilling his huge potential with Arsenal Football Club."

The deal taking the England under-21 international comes six months after Arsenal first made their interest known in the player.

And Oxlade-Chamberlain says that he is now looking forward to testing himself in the Premier League with Arsenal.

"I'm so excited to be joining Arsenal. It's a fantastic club and I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of playing football at the highest level," he said.

"Arsenal have a great manager in Arsene Wenger, top quality players and an attractive style of play. These were all important factors in me choosing to sign for Arsenal.

"I'm proud to be joining Arsenal, but I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Southampton for their help and support during the early part of my career, for which I will always be grateful."

Arsenal target Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill after injury to Thomas Vermaelen

Arsenal are strongly considering a bid for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill afterThomas Vermaelen picked up an injury in the friendly defeat against Benfica on Saturday, according to the Daily Mail.


Gunners boss Arsene Wenger reportedly sent chief scout Steve Rowley to the Reebok Stadium on Friday night to run the rule over the 25-year-old in Bolton’s 1-0 defeat to Spanish side Levante, and the north Londoners are now believed to have watched him over 20 times.

Wenger has been stung by criticism both from the club’s fans and neutral observers over his failure to secure defensive reinforcements this summer, and has now apparently put a defender with Premier League experience at the top of his wish-list.

A move for Cahill seems even more likely now after Vermaelen’s injury on Saturday and failed bids for Everton’s Phil Jagielka and Christopher Samba of Blackburn already this summer.

The Merseysiders are reportedly demanding £18 million for Jagielka, a figure significantly in excess of the £12m Arsenal are willing to offer for the 28-year-old, while Rovers have already turned down a bid of £8m for Samba.

Cahill is believed to have a release clause of around £17m in his contract, although Wenger is confident he can get a deal done for less as the Bolton man has less than a year to run on his current contract.

Ultimately, however, the figure the Gunners can stretch to may depend on whether captain Cesc Fabregas completes his protracted move to Barcelona or Samir Nasri leaves for Manchester City before the close of the transfer window

Arsenal set to sign Southampton's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for £12m this week

Arsenal are believed to be set to sign Southampton youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this week.


The future of the 17-year-old - who will turn 18 in just over a week - has been the subject of speculation in recent months, with the Gunners having long had an interest in signing the starlet.

For his part, the young winger recently revealed that he feels ready to play in the Premier League. And now The Sunday Mirror reports that the north London club are set to wrap up a £12 million deal for their target this week.

It is believed that a sum of £7 million would be paid to Southampton, with the price increasing based on appearances.

Peter Hill-Wood confirms Arsenal will not back down on Cesc Fabregas price despite Barcelona advances

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has insisted that the Gunners will not be moved in their valuation of midfielder Cesc Fabregas after Barcelona reportedly submitted a new offer.


According to the Daily Star the La Liga champions made a new £30 million offer, with the possibility of a further £5m being paid in add-ons, but once again their bid was rejected.

“Their offer was nowhere near what we are looking for," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star. "It is very straightforward from our point of view. We have told them what we want and we are sticking to it.

“Barcelona are offering extra payments which are dependent on all sorts of fantastical things, but we are not interested in that. We want them to pay what he is worth.”

Hill-Wood maintained that the price tag placed on Fabregas was fair and reflective of the fees paid for comparable names in recent transfer windows, adding: “We do not think we are being at all unreasonable when you see the sort of prices players are being sold for, who are not even half as good as Cesc."

Barcelona have not been afraid to splash the cash in recent seasons, having spent around £50m on midfielder Javier Mascherano and forward David Villa last summer. Last month they agreed a €26m  (£22.5m) deal for Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez.

Arsene Wenger confirms Denilson is set to return to Brazil on loan

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Denilson is set to go back on loan to Brazil.

The 23-year-old joined the Gunners in 2006 from Sao Paulo, but revealed in May that he wanted to leave due to the club's lack of silverware.

There has since been reports of Denilson making a move back to former club Sao Paulo, and the Gunners have now confirmed that he is set to leave on loan.

"Denilson is likely to leave to go to Brazil on loan," Wenger said.

The midfielder admitted that he feels a certain degree of "sadness" to leave the club, and wished his team-mates the best of luck for the upcoming campaign.

"I will be playing in Brazil next season as I felt that this is a good opportunity for me to play regular first-team football," Denilson told the club's official website.

"I move away with sadness because I have so many friends at Arsenal and everyone has always been so supportive towards me.

"I want to say thank you to the club, and of course, also a big thank you to all the Arsenal fans who are very special.

"I'm now focused on doing well in Brazil next season, but will always be looking out for the Arsenal results. It is a great club with many great players, a good team spirit and a top-class manager. I wish you well for next season."

Arsenal give Barcelona two weeks to meet £40m asking price for Cesc Fabregas

 

Arsenal have reportedly given Barcelona two weeks to meet their asking price of £40 million for Cesc Fabregas.

The 24-year-old left the Catalan club in 2003 to join the Gunners, where he has gone on to make over 300 appearances.

And in recent seasons, the midfielder has maintained that he would like to return to Barca at some point in his career.

Now The Sun reports that the north London outfit have made it clear to the Spanish giants that they have to either come to an agreement within two weeks, or lose the opportunity to sign Fabregas.

The current European champions have long been linked with a move for the midfielder, but their president Sandro Rosell has in the past admitted that the club have a £40m transfer budget for this summer.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports that the midfielder will meet with manager Arsene Wenger to push through with a potential move to Camp Nou.

It is believed that the Gunners boss is resigned to eventually having to let go of the Spaniard, but is reported to be confident that the club can manage to keep Samir Nasri at the Emirates.

Gervinho completes his move to Arsenal

 

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Ivory Coast international forward Gervinho has finalised his switch to the Gunners, joining the Club on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

Gervinho, 24, arrives at Arsenal from French side Lille, with the paperwork surrounding his move now approved. The Ivorian helped Lille to a Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double last season, scoring 18 goals in 49 games in all competitions.

The campaign capped a very successful two years for Gervinho, during which time he netted 36 times in his 93 appearances for Les Gogues. Before joining Lille, Gervinho enjoyed two seasons with Le Mans, also in Ligue 1.

On the international stage, Gervinho captained the Ivory Coast in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and also represented his country at the 2010 World Cup, scoring twice in just three substitute appearances during qualification to the finals. To date, Gervinhohas made 27 appearances in total for Les Eléphants, scoring six goals.

The forward, who came through the same Ivorian youth academy - ASEC Mimosas - as Emmanuel Eboue, before following in the right-back’s footsteps to join Belgian side KSK Beveren, will immediately join up with his new team mates for pre-season training.

Manager Arsène Wenger said: “Gervinho is a player that can play in a number of positions up front.  He can play on the right, on the left and through the middle.  He has qualities that I find very important, like his movement off the ball.  He has the qualities we like technically.  He is good one against one, he is strong and was the best provider in the French league with assists and he scored 15 goals. I think he is a very good addition to the squad.”

After completing his move to the Gunners, Gervinho said: “It’s a great feeling to be an Arsenal player. I’m very happy. I’ve always dreamed to play for this Club. I’ve achieved this dream now and I am so happy. It’s one of the most beautiful days of my life.

“I’m very happy to have the chance to work with Arsène Wenger.  I came here because I believe that he can improve my game and help me reach another level, but the most important thing for me is that I bring a lot to the team for whom I’m playing.”

Gael Clichy completes £7m move from Arsenal to Manchester City

 

Manchester City have completed the signing of Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £7 million.

The French international has been strongly linked with a move to the City of Manchester Stadium throughout the past week, and has now penned a four-year deal with the club.

The 25-year-old was the last remaining member of the 2003/2004 'Invincibles' squad and became the youngest ever Premier League winner at the tender age of 18 following his move from Cannes in 2003.

Clichy made 264 appearances during his time at Arsenal, including 41 Champions League outings, and follows in the footsteps of former Arsenal team-mates Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor in moving to City.

Speaking to City's official website, Clichy said: “I’m really happy to be joining such a great club. I hope I can add to the quality we already have here because we have a fantastic squad who I believe will continue to get better.

“I can’t wait to get started and I think anything is possible with this team.

“When I first came to England, it was Kolo Toure and Patrick Vieira who took me under their wing and really looked after me.

“Kolo would pick me up and drop me at home and his wife used to cook meals for me. Patrick was always there to offer me advice so it’s wonderful to be back and at the same club they are at.”

Clichy spent eight years under the guidance of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, and the French international spoke fondly of his time at the club.

He added: “I have had eight fantastic years at Arsenal and made many friends. I have so many great memories from my time at Highbury and Emirates Stadium. I would like to say thank you to everyone at Arsenal for all of their support and friendship. I also want to send a big thank you to all the Arsenal supporters, who have always been so good to me.”

Former boss Wenger also gave the transfer his blessing on Arsenal’s official website, with the parting between player and club appearing to be an amicable one.

Wenger said: “We would like to thank Gael for eight years of terrific service to Arsenal, during which time he gave absolutely everything for the club.

“He has grown and developed so much since joining us in 2003, and has been a crucial part of the team over recent seasons. Gael leaves with our respect and best wishes. We wish him the very best for his future career.”

Samir Nasri to tell Arsenal he wants to leave as Chelsea prepare to enter race with £20m bid

 

Chelsea are believed to be interested in acquiring the services of Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri.

The 24-year-old has only one year left on his current contract with the Gunners, who have been widely reported to have offered him a five-year contract to extend his stay at Ashburton Grove.

However, it is generally assumed that the Frenchman's reluctance to put pen to paper has been due to Arsenal's recent lack of silverware, as well as a wish for significantly improved wages.

Nasri is expected to return for pre-season training next week, but it is believed that the midfielder has become unsettled by the interest shown by other clubs.

According to The Mirror, the former Marseille man will meet with manager Arsene Wenger when he returns, to clarify the club's position on his demands before committing himself to signing a contract worth £90,000-a-week.

But it is thought that Nasri is prepared to press for a transfer away from the north London club, should offers from rival clubs prove tempting enough.

Now The Daily Mail reports that the Blues, who are believed to be in pursuit of Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez, see the Gunner as an alternative target.

Manchester United and Manchester City have both been linked with a move for Nasri, who produced his most impressive performances for Arsenal last season.