Mertesacker agrees terms - Giant centre-back also passes medical at Emirates Stadium

 

Skysports.com understands Per Mertesacker has passed a medical and agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

The giant Werder Bremen centre-back is in London ahead of what is reportedly a £10million transfer on a three-year contract.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger turned his attention to Mertesacker, who has entered the final year of his contract in Germany, after deciding Bolton's Gary Cahill was too expensive.

The move comes in the wake of Sunday's 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United, which convinced Wenger of the need to strengthen his defence.
Mertesacker, 26, has already made 75 appearances for Germany and will therefore bring vast experience with him to Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are also on the brink of signing Brazilian left-back Andre Santos in a £6m move from Fenerbahce ahead of Wednesday's transfer deadline.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Premier League club confirmed the signing of South Korea international striker Park Chu-young from Monaco.

Diego Forlan agrees move from Atletico Madrid to Inter Milan

Forlan has played for Atletico in a Europa League qualifier this season

Inter Milan have agreed to sign Uruguay international Diego Forlan from Atletico Madrid.

No financial details were disclosed, but Spanish media reports say Forlan will sign a two-year contract.

The 32-year-old, who is replacing Samuel Eto'o at the Serie A side, said: "Going to a club like Inter is not an opportunity that comes up often.

"I am happy with the decision that I have taken, it is normal that some players come and others go."

Cameroon striker Eto'o left Inter last week to join ambitious Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, and scored on his debut.

Forlan, who scored 96 goals in his four seasons with Atletico, said he would be leaving the Spanish capital with plenty of good memories, adding "I don't regret anything, I would not go back on anything that I have done.

"You learn from your mistakes and you have to accept things as they come. Sometimes they are not as one would like but it was a spectacular period.

"There is a group here that will always stay with me in my heart. It was four years of victories and defeats, what remains are these human relations, which in the end is what matters most in life."

After joining Atletico from Villarreal in 2007, Forlan scored 23 goals in his first season, then 35 goals in 2008/09.

The following year he scored twice in the final against Fulham as the club won the Europa League, and he was also part of the team that beat Inter in the UEFA Super Cup later that year.

Last season was a disappointing one for the striker as he scored 10 goals in 42 appearances as Atletico finished seventh, outside European qualification.

But Forlan scored twice in the 2011 Copa America final against Paraguay as Uruguay won the competition, a year after he won the Golden Ball award for best player at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, after scoring five goals for Uruguay as they reached the semi-finals.

At a press conference to announce his transfer he added: "I have already spoken with Esteban Cambiasso and Diego Milito, they are my friends.

"I know Serie A having watched many games on television and I am very happy to be playing in Italy after my time in the Premier League, and Liga.

"I am going to play for a great team. I liked the project as well as their will to have me. I have a great will to start and changing [teams] will give me new motivation."

Forlan played for Manchester United between 2002 and 2004, scoring 17 goals in 98 appearances.

Inter Milan have also announced the signing of Italian Under-21 midfielder Andrea Poli from Sampdoria.

Atletico, who sold striker Sergio Aguero to Manchester City last month for a reported fee of £38m, have signed Radamel Falcao from FC Porto for £35.4m
.

Arsenal thanks 'fantastic' fans for support

Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal

Barclays Premier League

Sunday, August 28, 2011, 16:00

Arsenal Football Club has announced it will be writing to fans who travelled to Old Trafford on Sunday with an offer to cover the cost of a match ticket at a future Barclays Premier League away game.

A Club statement issued today said: "Sunday's result was obviously disappointing for everyone connected with the Club. Our travelling fans were magnificent throughout and we want to recognise their fantastic support. We will be writing to them shortly with the details

ARSENAL Shopping list

The last time Arsenal conceded eight goals in a league match, the first edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport was published in Italy, Blackpool's Pleasure Beach was founded and Queen Victoria was setting records as the reigning British monarch.

A Wayne Rooney-inspired Manchester United brutally exposed the weaknesses of Arsene Wenger's men at Old Trafford in an 8-2 demolition, which equalled the goals conceded to Loughborough Town in 1896.

The sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, a lack of replacements and woeful on-field performances have left Wenger battling a monumental crisis and the morale of all associated with the club appears shattered amid a failed transfer policy.

Arsenal's French manager has been urged to spend the money generated from the exits of Fabregas and Nasri, but has only really failed in tentative initial bids for Everton's Phil Jagielka and Bolton's Gary Cahill.

The seemingly imminent £3million arrival of Park Chu-Young is also less-than-inspiring, while the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson are obviously players for the future.

Here we consider five players who Wenger should abandon his stubborn policy in order to buy and provide his squad with the backbone that has been ripped from Emirates Stadium.

Phil Jagielka

While speculation seems to suggest Cahill is Arsenal's No.1 defensive target, the Everton man would be a better option. Cahill is more comfortable on the ball and would likely adapt to Wenger's passing style. But it is nothing new to say the Gunners are in dire need of a return to the likes of no-nonsense defenders such as Martin Keown. Jagielka has already been the subject of a failed £12m bid, however, Arsenal should be prepared to make a renewed offer to a cash-strapped Everton, who could be prepared to deal before deadline day. Jagielka is quick, mobile and powerful. An English centre-back would also be a welcome addition to bring the communication and dominance that was so evidently lacking against United.

Arsenal lacking depth

Scott Parker

The West Ham midfielder seems to be on the brink of joining Arsenal's North London rivals, Tottenham, which is an inexcusable mistake from Wenger. Parker would bring the tenacious determination, motivation and experience which Arsenal have lacked in the centre of midfield. Parker's 30 years are undoubtedly a factor which will deter Wenger, who of course favours a youth policy. But he would offer a vitally assuring presence to the midfield. Parker would also prove influential on the development of Jack Wilshere, who would be allowed to express himself at his creative best in the absence of former captain Cesc Fabregas. Having England's central midfield partnership at the Emirates would also be hugely beneficial.

Eden Hazard

Here Arsenal can afford to look for a lively spark of imagination. The Belgian has been a target for several months and would be vital as a replacement for Nasri. Reports suggest a £35m bid is set to be submitted to French champions Lille in the early stages of this week and Wenger has confirmed he is looking for a midfielder. At just 20 years of age, Hazard ticks every box for Wenger - young, creative and full of potential. The Arsenal boss knows the French market well. Whether dribbling or picking a pass, Hazard is considered one of the brightest prospects in world football and, although he plays on the wing, he could operate in a central role. Reuniting Hazard with former Lille team-mate Gervinho after their title-winning campaign last season is also an exciting prospect.

Eljero Elia

The Hamburg winger is understood to be a target and a cash offer is being prepared in an attempt to end Juventus' attempts to sign the Holland international on a season-long loan. Elia is a box of tricks and could fill the wide areas, with Hazard pushed into a central position. The 24-year-old has the experience of having played in a World Cup final. A stumbling block for Arsenal could be the fact Elia has three years left on his contract in Germany, meaning Hamburg are under no pressure to sell. But player-power, the lure of the Premier League and working alongside compatriot Robin van Persie may be decisive. Elia and Hazard could take the roles of Andrey Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky, who have been major disappointments.

Papiss Demba Cisse

The Freiburg striker is clearly desperate for a move to the Premier League and has been delivering none-too-subtle messages for the past year. He is a goal-getter in the mould of an in-form Darren Bent and last season scored 22 Bundesliga goals, while four have already been netted in the current campaign. Cisse is believed to be valued at £13.5m by Freiburg and the club have claimed three foreign clubs have made bids, with Sunderland and Tottenham rumoured as long-term admirers. Arsenal could do a lot worse than entering the race for the 26-year-old Senegal international.

Who should Arsenal sign before the transfer deadline?

BELIEVE THIS, YOU BELIEVE ANYTHING

Man Utd 8 - 2 Arsenal

Rooney scored a hat-trick in an unbelievable performance at Old Trafford

Manchester United inflicted total humiliation on Arsenal and their embattled manager Arsene Wenger with a brutal victory at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson's Premier League champions responded in spectacular fashion to Manchester City's outstanding 5-1 win at Spurs by returning to the top of the table with a result that represented Arsenal's worst defeat since 1896.

Wenger sent out a makeshift side depleted by injuries and suspensions - but even this cannot excuse the manner in which they were outclassed in all parts of the pitch and swept aside with such ease by United.

Wayne Rooney was United's inspiration with the sixth hat-trick of his Old Trafford career, but Ashley Young also made his mark with two stunning goals. Danny Welbeck, Nani and Park Ji-sung were the other scorers.

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Ferguson delighted with rampant Man Utd

Serie A strike confirmed -

The Italian Players' Association has confirmed the strike for this weekend's opening Serie A fixtures will go ahead.

Players' union the AIC and clubs' union the LEGA are at odds over a new collective bargaining agreement after the last contract expired at the end of the 2010-11 season.

The main conflicts are over two clauses the clubs want - one that would allow them to force unwanted players to train away from the first team and another that would make players will pay a new government solidarity tax that applies to high-wage earners.

All 20 Serie A captains signed a document this month threatening a strike if a new collective contract was not signed before the season opens.

Talks have been ongoing in a bid to resolve the issue but still there has been no resolution.

Italian players association president Damiano Tommasi has confirmed the strike will now take place with the new season not starting until the weekend of 10/11th September because of the international break next weekend.

Arsenal turn to Marseille star after failing with Kaka loan bid

Arsenal have been snubbed in their attempts to sign Kaka from Real Madrid - and have now turned their attention to Marseille's Lucho Gonzalez.

Arsene Wenger wanted the Brazilian playmaker on a season long loan but Kaka, who joined the Spanish giants from AC Milan in 2009 for a then world record fee of £56million, is reported to be earning £200,000 per week, which would smash Arsenal’s pay structure.

Kaka has struggled with injuries during his time in Spain and has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu last year.  It’s been reported that the 29-year-old is willing to take a pay cut to return to Milan before next Wednesday’s transfer deadline.

Wenger is keen to bolster his squad before the deadline and add some real quality in midfield after the departure of skipper Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

The Arsenal boss has also enquired about Marseille playmaker Gonzalez . The 30- year-old Argentina international is wanted on loan as Wenger has concerns about any permanent deal due to his age.

Another option is Shaktar Donetsk star Willian, with the Brazilian attacking midfielder keen to move to the Premier League after winning the Ukrainian league last season.

The Gunners, though, could face competition from north London rivals Spurs for the 23-year-old if he does become available.
 

Man City summer spending spree over, says Marwood

Manchester City's summer spending spree is over, according to administration officer Brian Marwood.

City completed the signing of Samir Nasri from Arsenal on Wednesday for £25m having already spent big on Sergio Aguero and Gael Clichy.

"If there are any loan deals we feel might be right we might look at them," Marwood told BBC Sport.

"But as far as buying players is concerned we're done, we're very happy with what we have."

Marwood added that since last season ended more than 20 players have left Eastlands, either sold or loaned to other clubs.

The transfer window closes at 2300 BST on Wednesday 31 August.

Bolton reject Arsenal bid for Gary Cahill

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Englishman Cahill joined Bolton from Aston Villa in a £5m move in 2008

Bolton have turned down a bid from Arsenal for centre-back Gary Cahill, manager Owen Coyle has confirmed.

In June Coyle said he was resigned to losing the 25-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract, this summer.

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES

Saturday, 27 August 2011

Aston Villa v Wolverhampton, 12:05

Wigan v QPR, 12:30

Blackburn v Everton, 15:00

Chelsea v Norwich, 15:00

Swansea v Sunderland, 15:00

Liverpool v Bolton, 17:30

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Sunday, 28 August 2011

Newcastle v Fulham, 13:00

Tottenham v Man City, 13:30

West Brom v Stoke, 15:00

Man Utd v Arsenal, 16:00

Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor joins Tottenham on loan

Tottenham have confirmed the signing of striker Emmanuel Adebayor on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

Earlier in the week Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp had confirmed the club were in talks with City over a loan move for the 27-year-old forward.

Adebayor fell out with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini last year and spent a spell on loan at Real Madrid.

Spurs have also signed Spain U21 midfielder Yago Falque on a season-long loan from Serie A giants Juventus.

"The chairman is talking to Man City about the player," Redknapp admitted earlier in the week.Tottenham and City had been in talks for some time over a deal for Adebayor, with his reported £170,000 a week wage packet proving to be the only real problem.

Mancini had made it clear the former Togo international, who joined City from Arsenal in a £25m deal in July 2009, had no future at a club that has strikers Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko on their books, while the player said in April that he wished to remain with Real.

Adebayor scored twice against Tottenham in the Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash between the two teams at the Bernabeu.

During that match in April, Spurs fans chanted abusive songs at the former Arsenal marksman, but the player has since said that the songs would not put him off signing for Redknapp's team.

He boasts a fantastic record against Spurs, scoring eight for Arsenal against their London rivals alone, and has grabbed 81 goals in 186 appearances in all competitions in England.

Tottenham were keen to sign a new striker having recently sold Robbie Keane to LA Galaxy, and with the lack of goals at White Hart Lane last season as their strikers - Roman Pavlyuchenko, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Keane - scored only 18 league goals between them.