Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has dropped a major hint that he is in the running for reported transfer target Andrei Arshavin.
Wenger claims the Gunners are 'on alert in the transfer market' following the latest rumours linking the 27-year-old Zenit St Petersburg and Russia ace with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arshavin has been expected to join one of Europe's major leagues after starring during his country's run to the semi-finals at last summer's European Championship Finals.
"We do not want to talk too much about who we want to buy," the Frenchman told Arsenal TV online.
"At the moment I cannot give you any good news, but in this job no news is good news. Nothing has fallen through. We are on alert in the transfer market."
Meanwhile, Wenger has also suggested that he is keen to bolster his midfield in the continued absence through injury of Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky.
"That (the midfield area) is also a priority," he added. "We are a little short because we wanted a player like Rosicky to play 80 per cent of games and he has not played at all.
"We want to spend money but as everyone knows and as the chairman has said, we have money available but we have limited resources and you want to spend it in the best way possible."
воскресенье, 11 января 2009 г.
Rio back to boost Red Devils
Defender Rio Ferdinand has handed Manchester United a boost after being passed fit to face Chelsea in Sunday's Premier League showdown.
The third-placed Red Devils host the Blues at Old Trafford with second place in the table behind Liverpool up for grabs.
Ferdinand has missed United's last four games after suffering a recurrence of a back injury before the Boxing Day win at Stoke City.
But the England defender will return to partner Nemanja Vidic in a game that could go a long way to deciding the outcome of this year's league title.
Chelsea are currently second in the table and four points ahead of United, having played two games more than the champions.
"Rio's fit to play," revealed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "He's missed the last few games and that's given us time to get things settled down.
"He's one of the best centre-backs in the world and he does make a difference, because he's got the presence to play in these big games."
United will also welcome France left-back Patrice Evra back from suspension and Ferguson is delighted with the squad depth he currently has at his disposal.
"We had 24 players training this morning," added the veteran Scot.
"We've everyone fit for Sunday except Wes (Brown) and Owen (Hargreaves), which is a really good position to be in."
The third-placed Red Devils host the Blues at Old Trafford with second place in the table behind Liverpool up for grabs.
Ferdinand has missed United's last four games after suffering a recurrence of a back injury before the Boxing Day win at Stoke City.
But the England defender will return to partner Nemanja Vidic in a game that could go a long way to deciding the outcome of this year's league title.
Chelsea are currently second in the table and four points ahead of United, having played two games more than the champions.
"Rio's fit to play," revealed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "He's missed the last few games and that's given us time to get things settled down.
"He's one of the best centre-backs in the world and he does make a difference, because he's got the presence to play in these big games."
United will also welcome France left-back Patrice Evra back from suspension and Ferguson is delighted with the squad depth he currently has at his disposal.
"We had 24 players training this morning," added the veteran Scot.
"We've everyone fit for Sunday except Wes (Brown) and Owen (Hargreaves), which is a really good position to be in."
Hodgson cool over Bullard
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that January is an unsettling time for him and every other Premier League manager.
Hodgson's main concern centres around midfielder Jimmy Bullard, who has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage after talks over a new contract stalled.
"There is no change in our position," Hodgson confirmed. "We want and expect Jimmy to stay here.
"He has a year and a half left on his contract and 18 months is a long time in football. So until something happens to the contrary I will be counting on him as a Fulham player.
"It's unsettling, of course it is. It's a time where there is a lack of stability with the speculation, but at least these days it's restricted to one month in the year.
"For managers and coaches, if we can be relatively sensible about the whole thing and not get upset when you read something linking you with a player you have never heard of, I don't think it's too big a problem.
"January is a time for teams who are maybe not doing very well and need to do something, or teams who have done pretty well and need an extra touch to maybe go all the way."
Hodgson's main concern centres around midfielder Jimmy Bullard, who has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage after talks over a new contract stalled.
"There is no change in our position," Hodgson confirmed. "We want and expect Jimmy to stay here.
"He has a year and a half left on his contract and 18 months is a long time in football. So until something happens to the contrary I will be counting on him as a Fulham player.
"It's unsettling, of course it is. It's a time where there is a lack of stability with the speculation, but at least these days it's restricted to one month in the year.
"For managers and coaches, if we can be relatively sensible about the whole thing and not get upset when you read something linking you with a player you have never heard of, I don't think it's too big a problem.
"January is a time for teams who are maybe not doing very well and need to do something, or teams who have done pretty well and need an extra touch to maybe go all the way."
Berra tipped to reach the top
Reported Fulham target Christophe Berra has been backed to succeed at the highest level of the game by his current manager at Hearts, Csaba Laszlo.
The 23-year-old Scotland centre-half is reportedly on the wish-list of Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson, having impressed in recent months for the SPL outfit.
Laszlo commented: "Christophe Berra is a very talented player, good enough for the national team. He can play in the Bundesliga, he can play in England or Italy.
"Tactically, Christophe learned so quick. When I came to this club Christophe was the most sceptical player I had seen in my life.
"I told him what he must do and what movements he must make and he did not believe me.
"He learned so quick and, for me, Italy is the country where tactics are most important. Berra can play in Italy with his knowledge."
The 23-year-old Scotland centre-half is reportedly on the wish-list of Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson, having impressed in recent months for the SPL outfit.
Laszlo commented: "Christophe Berra is a very talented player, good enough for the national team. He can play in the Bundesliga, he can play in England or Italy.
"Tactically, Christophe learned so quick. When I came to this club Christophe was the most sceptical player I had seen in my life.
"I told him what he must do and what movements he must make and he did not believe me.
"He learned so quick and, for me, Italy is the country where tactics are most important. Berra can play in Italy with his knowledge."
Moyes: Loans only for Blues
Everton manager David Moyes has warned that his club can only afford to bring in players on loan during the January transfer window.
The Toffees are currently short of attacking options with Louis Saha, Yakubu and James Vaughan all out injured, but Moyes has dismissed talk of major moves into the transfer market for reinforcements.
He said: "There's nothing to report at the moment.
"Obviously we are working hard and looking to see what is available, but I keep seeing things linking us with buying whoever and whoever.
"I have let it be known that at the moment there is no cash and we will be loaning players.
"If they are not loanable, then they are not gettable at this present time for Everton. But we are looking to see what is available at this present time.
"To bring in loan players in to improve a team which is sixth in the Premier League and finding clubs who are going to let those players come out is very difficult."
The Toffees are currently short of attacking options with Louis Saha, Yakubu and James Vaughan all out injured, but Moyes has dismissed talk of major moves into the transfer market for reinforcements.
He said: "There's nothing to report at the moment.
"Obviously we are working hard and looking to see what is available, but I keep seeing things linking us with buying whoever and whoever.
"I have let it be known that at the moment there is no cash and we will be loaning players.
"If they are not loanable, then they are not gettable at this present time for Everton. But we are looking to see what is available at this present time.
"To bring in loan players in to improve a team which is sixth in the Premier League and finding clubs who are going to let those players come out is very difficult."
Potters must wait for Beattie
Stoke City will have to wait a little longer to be able to complete the signing of former England striker James Beattie from Sheffield United.
The Potters had been hoping to tie up a £2.5million deal for the 30-year-old in time for the clash with Liverpool, but the Blades say that no final agreement has yet been reached.
United boss Kevin Blackwell told the Sheffield Star: "I can confirm that Stoke have made an enquiry.
"I have left it with my board of directors and it is up to them to decide what to do from here.
"As far as I'm concerned, James is still a United player and that is how it will stay until I'm told otherwise."
Blades chairman Kevin McCabe added: "No deal has been struck.
"If movement of players does occur, particularly involving those you do not want to go, then it would only be done to strengthen not weaken the club.
"We will ensure that, as always, everything we do is in our best interests."
Beattie has scored 34 goals in 65 appearances since moving to Bramall Lane from Everton in a £4million deal in the summer of 2007.
The Potters had been hoping to tie up a £2.5million deal for the 30-year-old in time for the clash with Liverpool, but the Blades say that no final agreement has yet been reached.
United boss Kevin Blackwell told the Sheffield Star: "I can confirm that Stoke have made an enquiry.
"I have left it with my board of directors and it is up to them to decide what to do from here.
"As far as I'm concerned, James is still a United player and that is how it will stay until I'm told otherwise."
Blades chairman Kevin McCabe added: "No deal has been struck.
"If movement of players does occur, particularly involving those you do not want to go, then it would only be done to strengthen not weaken the club.
"We will ensure that, as always, everything we do is in our best interests."
Beattie has scored 34 goals in 65 appearances since moving to Bramall Lane from Everton in a £4million deal in the summer of 2007.
Lyon link interests Faubert
West Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert has admitted he is flattered by reports of interest from French champions Lyon.
The 25-year-old Frenchman has made less than 30 first-team appearances since his £6million arrival at Upton Park in the summer of 2007.
The former Bordeuax midfielder has struggled with injury during his time in the Premier League and has admitted a move back to France with Lyon would be an attractive proposition.
"It is flattering for me to know that Lyon have been coming to watch me," he told the Sunday Mirror.
"I think about the France national team and the 2010 World Cup every single day.
"I've had a taste of international football and I miss it.
"Maybe a return to France would help me win a recall."
The 25-year-old Frenchman has made less than 30 first-team appearances since his £6million arrival at Upton Park in the summer of 2007.
The former Bordeuax midfielder has struggled with injury during his time in the Premier League and has admitted a move back to France with Lyon would be an attractive proposition.
"It is flattering for me to know that Lyon have been coming to watch me," he told the Sunday Mirror.
"I think about the France national team and the 2010 World Cup every single day.
"I've had a taste of international football and I miss it.
"Maybe a return to France would help me win a recall."
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