1p sexy movies FTW\:d/ :lol:

Ok how many teams are there that would be known as 'Gunners':-k :-k

The only things that give this story any credence are a) Chairman Peter Hill-Wood’s links with The Star, and b) the fact that, as far as I’m aware, Cole has yet to appear in the Arsenal.com abomination that is the ‘transfer linked’ section. Both 7amkickoff and Arseblog have made the point that publicising a link with a player in official channels could be considered confirmation that we have no real interest.
Cole would be an interesting signing. With the likes of Rosicky, Wilshere, Arshavin and Nasri all operating in a similar role it would lead me to wonder if someone is going to be on their way. If Cesc goes, Nasri might replace him in the middle with Cole starting out-wide. Equally, perhaps Andrey Arshavin will be offloaded to Barcelona, as this morning’s Spanish papers suggest.
Arsene was a great admirer of Cole during his time at West Ham, and only a few weeks ago he called him an “interesting target”. If any manager can get the best of Cole’s mercurial talent it is Arsene, and the playmaker would add experience of winning eight major trophies in his time with Chelsea. Signing a player of that calibre on a free transfer is the sort of deal that makes Arsene giddy.
For now, we ought to take the story with a whole spoonful of salt. If the drip-feed of stories continues over the next few days, we can reduce that to a pinch. Have a good Bank Holiday, Brits.
http://gunnerblog.com/?p=2375

[size=6]Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger Lines Up Bordeaux Star Yoann Gourcuff As Potenial Replacement For Cesc Fabregas - Report[/size]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to make a £21.8 million deal for Bordeaux star Yoann Gourcuff to replace captain Cesc Fabregas should he move to Barcelona this summer.

The Gunners have already discussed their interest in the France international with his father Christian and Wenger wants to make the midfielder Arsenal’s record signing this summer.

"While every effort is being made to keep Cesc at the club the boss is working towards an alternative,” an Arsenal source told The Sun.

"He believes Gourcuff's finesse and grace will fit perfectly to Arsenal's way of playing and will make it an almost seamless transition if Cesc does go."

Fabregas is keen to make a move to childhood club Barcelona and while Arsenal has been hesitant to sell the Spain international, it is believed that the Gunners would be willing to let their captain leave for £45 million despite slapping a £80 million price tag on the 23-year-old.

Gourcuff, who will be relied upon as France’s playmaker at this summer’s World Cup, has a £21.8 million release clause in his contract at Bordeaux.

Wenger will have a hard time lowering Bordeaux’s asking price for Gourcuff as the French club’s president Jean Louis Triand is still angry with the Gunners for nabbing striker Marouane Chamakh on a free transfer earlier this summer.

Gourcuff came to Bordeaux from AC Milan for £14 million last summer and with the Ligue 1 giants strapped for cash they could let the midfielder leave in the transfer window.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/05/31/1950864/arsenal-boss-arsene-wenger-lines-up-bordeaux-star-yoann-gourcuff-

i read Dario Srna is apparently set to sign with Chelsea

Chelsea are on the brink of a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk wing-back Darijo Srna.

Itasportpress.it says only minor details are lacking for Chelsea to complete the signing of the Croatia international.

Srna is excited about the move and confirmed his hopes of joining Chelsea last week. It's understood a four-year deal is close to being agreed.

The wing-back will move to Chelsea for around £14 million.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/chelsea-finalising-deal-shakhtar-donetsk-wing-back-srna-873521

Chelsea have paved the way for Joe Cole's departure from Stamford Bridge by formalising their interest in Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun. Full story: The Guardian

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly interested in signing £12m-rated Barcelona teenager Bojan Krkic. Full story: caughtoffside.com
12mil for Bojan is a bargain, hope Fergie can get this done

Finally a rumour I've wanted to see.


£21.8m that's pretty good. If Cesc leaves this is what he will do.

Edited by sydneycroatia58: 31/5/2010 02:55:14 PM

an Arsenal source told The Sun.

Good luck with that.

Boateng confirms City move

Jerome Boateng has confirmed that he will sign for Manchester City before appearing for Germany in the World Cup this summer.

The highly-rated Hamburg defender has received praise for his level of performances since moving to the club from Hertha Berlin in 2007, becoming the subject of much interest from some of Europe's top clubs.

City appear to have stolen a march on their rivals for the 21-year-old's signature, with manager Roberto Mancini visiting the player in Hamburg and agreeing a £10.46million move to Eastlands.

"I am going to sign on (for City) before leaving for the World Cup and the deal will be completed," Boateng told Bild magazine

"It has been decided that I am moving there."

Boateng was delighted to see the move go through, admitting that Mancini played a big part in his decision to move to England, where he will compete with the likes of Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott for a starting role in the centre of defence.

"He (Mancini) came with two representatives to Hamburg and we chatted for one or two hours," said Boateng.

"He convinced me to make the transfer. He believes that I will definitely need a few months to get settled in once in England, but that he sees so much potential in me that he will improve me.

Not afraid

"Even if many people say that I am going to struggle to make the breakthrough, I am confident that I will.

"I am not afraid of anybody."

Boateng also hit out at how his family was being hounded by the German press after half-brother Kevin-Prince's challenge on Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final ruled the Chelsea midfielder out of the World Cup.

Germany captain Ballack was considered the talisman of the squad and key to his country's chances of winning the tournament, but Kevin-Prince, who could face off against Jerome in the final group game after switching allegiances to Ghana through a parental connection, has come under severe scrutiny.

"It disturbs me the way our family name is being dragged around in public and my family is not being left in peace," he added.

"It is not on that my big brother George suddenly has cameras on his doorstep and he is being forced to stay indoors.

"They said I have just got to live with that, being a Boateng.

"This has overstepped the mark. It has been ridiculous."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_6185859,00.html

Fletcher to have medical - Daily Mirror
Steven Fletcher will undergo a medical at Wolves on Thursday ahead of a £7million move. Will the Burnley man end up at Molineux?

Sunderland on brink of Angeleri deal - Daily Mirror
The Black Cats are close to signing Argentine right-back Marcos Angeleri from Estudaintes - after he gets an Italian passport. Is the defender set for an overseas move?

Wolves to up Fletcher offer - Daily Mail
Wolves will increase their bid for Burnley striker Steve Fletcher to £8m after a £7.5m offer was turned down. Will it be enough to land the forward?

Hart in talks over Tigers post - Daily Mirror
Paul Hart is in talks with relegated Hull City about becoming their new manager. Will the former Crystal Palace boss take the helm at the KC Stadium?

Fulham targeting James - Daily Mail
The Cottagers are looking to sign England goalkeeper David James from Portsmouth. Will the shot-stopper stay at Fratton Park?

Sunderland pondering Kirkland bid - Daily Mail
The Black Cats are considering making a £5m offer for Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland. Is the keeper set for a move?

Clarets make Sharp bid - Daily Star
Burnley have made a £1m offer for Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp. Will the Bramall Lane outfit part ways with the forward?

Claridge out of Pompey race - Daily Star
Steve Claridge has ruled out a return to manage Portsmouth but has backed Steve Cotterill for the post. Can the former Notts County boss rescue the struggling club?

Carroll set for Birmingham - Daily Mirror
Blues boss Alex McLeish is looking to sign Newcastle striker Andy Carroll for £4.5m. Can the Scot tempt him to St Andrews?
http://www.skysports.com/football/papertalk/0,21673,12709,00.html

If we sign Gerrard, I will cry. Tears of pure, pure joy.

[size=6]Toure agrees Prem switch[/size]

Yaya Toure's agent claims his client will be playing in England next season, with a deal already agreed.

The Barcelona midfielder's representative has refused to state with which club an agreement has been struck, but the Ivorian has been strongly linked with Manchester City of late.

The Blues, who already boast Toure's brother Kolo on their books, are believed to be leading the race for his signature, keen to add some much-needed steel in the centre of the park.

The Barca ace has, however, attracted interest from Manchester United and Arsenal in the past, so it is far from certain that he will be turning out at Eastlands next season.

"If everything goes well, Yaya will go to England," Toure's agent, Dimitri Seluk, told Ona FM.

"But we can't talk about definite clubs. We already have a closed deal, and all will be resolved before the World Cup."

Toure joined Barca from Monaco in 2007 and quickly became an integral part of their side, patrolling the area in front of the back four.

Price tag

He has landed six major trophies during his time at Camp Nou, but has fallen down the pecking order over recent seasons.

Some reports have suggested that he could be used as a makeweight in Barca's protracted efforts to lure Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas back to Catalunya.

That may provide his best route out of the Primera Liga giants, as an asking price of around €36million (£30m) could scare off some potential suitors.

Seluk added: "It seems to me too much money. His club have shown they want him to leave, it's not normal that they're asking for this amount.

"If (Barca president Joan Laporta) likes Toure so much, he could have explained why he didn't play so much.

"This year we haven't spoken to him even one time, and if he leaves it's because that was lacking."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6189984,00.html

[size=6]Fletcher moves to Molineux[/size]

Wolves have completed the signing of striker Steven Fletcher for an undisclosed fee from Burnley.

The Scot has penned a four-year deal at Molineux, with the option for a fifth should both parties wish to prolong the agreement.

The 23-year-old successfully passed a medical on Thursday, with Wolves revealing that the fee involved matches that they paid to land club record signing Kevin Doyle last summer (£6.5m).

"We are delighted to complete the singing of Steven Fletcher," chief executive Jez Moxeytold the club's official website.

"He was one of Mick's (McCarthy) main targets for the summer and, just like last season with Kevin Doyle, we were able to register our interest early and get the deal done.

"He is a Scottish international who has been heavily scouted by our management and scouting team and is an excellent player whom, despite his relatively young age, already boasts plenty of experience at the top level in both England and Scotland.

Consistent

"He showed last season with Burnley, a team which were eventually relegated, that not only can he score goals in the Premier League but also achieve a consistent level of performance in his all-round game.

"We believe Steven's abilities and qualities will perfectly complement Kevin, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and the other strikers already at the club and create some fierce competition for places up front next season.

"Although we continue to stick to the policy of not disclosing specific transfer fees, I can confirm that this move makes Steven our (joint) record signing.

"This is another illustration of the ambitions of our chairman Steve Morgan in continuing to try and help the club develop and improve."

Fletcher only joined Burnley from SPL outfit Hibernian last summer, but he made an instant impression in the Premier League.

He scored 12 goals in all competitions during the 2009/10 campaign, with eight of them coming in top flight fixtures.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_6189965,00.html

Arsenal could offer £7m plus youngsters Francis Coquelin and Armand Traore for FC Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny after an initial £4m bid was rejected.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/EuroSpy-transfer-news-Arsenal-to-offer-7m-plus-Francis-Coquelin-and-Armand-Traore-for-Lorient-defender-Laurent-Koscielny-article446747.html

Didn't read that but is it for loan? Coquelin seems like he's pretty highly rated and I wouldn'tve thought Wenger would let him leave for good. Not too sure with Traore, with Gibbs and Clichy I guess this one could be possible as Traore cannot defend. Either way I'm keen for this Koscielny guy. Love it when we're linked with players I've never heard of, about the only transfer rumours that are realistic. Hopefully turn out as a top class partner for Vermaelen.

[size=6]Tosic eyes Cologne move[/size]

However, any deal looks unlikely for the time being with the Bundesliga side stalling over Manchester United's asking price, which is believed to be in the region of £5million.

The Serbia international, who is currently on World Cup duty, joined Cologne on loan from the Red Devils in January, scoring five goals in seven league games and helping the club steer clear of the relegation zone.

Having managed just 78 minutes of playing time in his 18 months at Old Trafford, Tosic is keen to find regular first-team football elsewhere with other clubs thought to be monitoring his situation after catching the eye in Germany.

"I am caught between two stools right now," he told Express newspaper.

"I have nothing left to do other than to remain patient. My agents have told me that FC Cologne would not have enough money to buy me out of my Manchester United contract.

"Honestly I would like to play on at Cologne. My family enjoys the city, this is a great deal. But even if the clubs would come to an agreement, the club would need to fulfil my demands as well.

"I am unaware how they would be able to pay me if they cannot pay Manchester United. I would want to remain at FC Cologne but it is a fact I need to get confronted with other options if you can get more money elsewhere.

"I will need to have my future sorted out. The faster the better, I would like to have it done before the World Cup."'
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_6190525,00.html

[size=6]Hitz fits bill for Hammers[/size]

West Ham United's new manager Avram Grant has made his first signing after bringing in Thomas Hitzlsperger on a three-year contract.

Hitzlsperger has spent the past six months with Lazio, but the former Aston Villa midfielder has agreed to return to the Premier League with West Ham.

The 28-year-old only joined Lazio in January from Stuttgart after his contract with the Bundesliga club was cancelled to give Hitzlsperger a better chance of making Germany's World Cup.

However, despite his switch to Serie A, the ex-Bayern Munich youngster was unable to claim a place in Germany coach Joachim Low's 23-man squad for the finals in South Africa.

He will now turn his focus to his club career after accepting the opportunity to play in England for the second time.

During five years on the books of Villa, Hitzlsperger scored 12 goals in 114 appearances before leaving for Stuttgart in 2005.

Hitzlsperger is likely to be the first of several fresh faces to arrive at Upton Park over the summer months following Grant's appointment as manager.

Grant has been tipped to raid his former club Portsmouth for some players, while the likes of Thierry Henry and David Beckham have also been linked with moves to West Ham.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11685_6192578,00.html

Juve seek Krasic talks

Skysports.com understands that Juventus are set to meet Milos Krasic as they look to beat English clubs to his signature.

The CSKA Moscow winger, who is currently preparing for the World Cup with Serbia, has attracted interest from clubs in various European leagues.

He looks likely to embark on a new challenge this summer and has previously admitted he would be keen to ply his trade in Italy, Spain or England.

Krasic's representative revealed earlier this week that Juventus had entered the race and the Serie A giants are now aiming to move quickly and secure his services.

It is understood that officials from the club are set to open talks regarding a transfer on Monday.

Manchester United and Liverpool are both thought to be keeping tabs on Krasic but could now miss out if Juve continue to make progress.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_6192721,00.html

[size=6]Blues warned off Miccoli[/size]

Palermo have told Birmingham not to pursue their interest in Fabrizio Miccoli because he is not for sale.

Having already sealed the signing of giant Serbian Nikola Zigic, Blues manager Alex McLeish had set his sights on 5ft 6in frontman Miccoli.
The 30-year-old has just enjoyed a fine season for Palermo, scoring 19 goals to finish third in the Serie A scoring charts.

His performances helped the Rosanero qualify for the Europa League and he will not now be allowed to leave.

Palermo sporting director Walter Sabatiniinsists Blues were keen to bring in Miccoli and had made an offer.

"Miccoli is not for sale," Sabatini told Rete Rete 24. "A request from Birmingham is real, but we have already said we are not interested, in fact I consider it not to be an issue.

"The player will stay with us next season unless he asks us to leave so he can gain a new experience."

Inflated

Birmingham's chief scout Paul Montgomery, meanwhile, has revealed that Blues are looking to strengthen their squad early in the summer and have made a number of bids for players already.

"We have put several offers in for players and the manager and the club are attempting to sort out as many as possible before the World Cup," Montgomery told the Birmingham Mail.

"After the finals, the transfer market starts to become inflated, there's a knock-on effect."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6192775,00.html