Latest Transfer Update at 21-08-11

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Latest Transfer Update at 21-08-11

Arsene Wenger: Will not walk away
ARSENE WENGER WON'T QUIT ARSENAL

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he will not walk away from the club.
Wenger's position has come under scrutiny after a difficult start to the new season at the Emirates Stadium.
The Frenchman's bid to get Arsenal's campaign off to a good start has undermined by high-profile exits and a lack of prominent acquisitions.
Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool saw some fans calling for Wenger to invest in more talent to add depth to the squad.
However, Wenger is determined to ride out the storm with Arsenal facing crucial games against Udinese in the Champions League in midweek before travelling to Old Trafford to take on Premier League champions Manchester United next weekend.
"There is no chance of me walking away," insisted Wenger.
"The chance I have is to give my best for the club but we are living in circumstances where every defeat is seen as a disgrace and an earthquake.
"I always feel under pressure but no more than usual.
"We now have a massive match on Wednesday night against Udinese in Italy.
"As it is the qualifier for the Champions League group stage, it is of big importance.
"So the important thing now is to lift the players.
"We want the supporters to be happy but for this match we had eight players out.
"I don't feel it is all doom and gloom. I feel there are also positives."

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Nasri: Played against Liverpool
NASRI MOVE LONG WAY OFF - WENGER

Arsene Wenger has claimed that sought-after midfielder Samir Nasri is happy at Arsenal and that any deal for his possible departure is a long way from completion.
Nasri has been expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer after reported interest from big-spending Manchester City.
Wenger has, however, warned that the France international could yet stay at the Gunners as his potential move has become more uncertain.
Nasri was a surprise starter in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Saturday and, with 10 days to go before the transfer window ends, he hinted the 24-year-old may yet remain in north London.
"He is happy here. There is no departure of Nasri at the moment," Wenger told French media outlet TF1.
"Maybe one day, but it's far, far, far from being done."
Nasri's departure would leave the Gunners severely undermanned in midfield after Cesc Fabregas completed his protracted move to his hometown club Barcelona last week.
To add to Wenger's problems he is also without Alex Song and Gervinho due to suspension while Emmanuel Frimpong, who made his starting league debut yesterday, will also serve a ban after he saw red against Liverpool.

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Capello: Thinks new signings are needed.
WENGER NEEDS NEW PLAYERS - CAPELLO

England manager Fabio Capello believes Arsenal need to add some fresh blood to their squad but concedes Arsene Wenger faces a tough task to bring in quality additions before the transfer window closes.
Wenger has come under pressure from Gunners fans following a difficult start to the season, which has seen Arsenal pick up one point from their opening two Barclays Premier League fixtures, their squad badly hit by injuries and suspension, and the loss of captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona.
With the future of Samir Nasri also up in the air and time running out before the end of the transfer market, Wenger, who has not led Arsenal to any silverware since 2005, has plenty to ponder at present, but Capello knows it is not an easy situation for the Frenchman.
Asked if he thought Wenger should continue at Arsenal, Capello said on Sky Sports' Goals on Sunday programme: "I hope he will stay on, I have a good relationship with him, he's a really good manager, but it's not a good moment, it's difficult after six years without a trophy for such an important club like Arsenal.
"I think he needs to buy some new players, some important players, but it's difficult to find top players at this moment, because the best players are playing with important teams, teams who want to win.
"I think Arsenal have got money but it's difficult to find top players to improve the team. Because if you spend the money buying normal players, it's not good, you need to spend money to improve the team."
Speaking on the same programme, the FA's director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking also believes Wenger is in a tough position, especially with regards to Nasri, who is out of contract next summer.
Brooking, who felt Nasri was "fantastic" during the first half of last season, said: "At the start of the summer if you'd have said Fabregas or Nasri I'd say keep Nasri, although that's easy for me to say, if he's only got one year to go and you're going to let him go for nothing next summer, and if you can get £20million for him now, that's a decision but then you've got to try and bring in the same quality of player.
"That's the thing that Fabio was saying and Arsene has said, 'I've got money but don't want to spend it on an average player that's not going to improve the squad', because then he will be criticised for buying in when he hasn't improved the team. So he wants the quality but, as Fabio said, there's not a lot of quality left now because everyone is with the better sides at this stage of the summer.
Former Arsenal boss George Graham has also urged Wenger to hit the transfer market and make three big-name signings before the window closes at the end of the month.
"They need experienced, outstanding players and I think they need about another three in the side at the present time," Graham told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.
"They've got the money, let's sit down, get some of these players in he's supposed to be after and let's see if they can start winning trophies again."
The Scot, who led Arsenal to two league titles, claimed it would be "a struggle" for Arsenal to finish in the top four this term.
"They have big signs at the club saying 'Arsene knows'. Well I hope he does," added Graham.
"I think he's going to be there this season. I think he's under a little bit of pressure just now from the fans.
"But I think Arsene, if he sits down and is honest with himself, he'll put it all back together again. But he needs to do some hard thinking.
"Please get the the cheque book out Arsene. I think they need another centre-half, I think they still need a strong, outstanding, experienced midfield and I still think they need an out-and-out striker like a (Thierry) Henry."

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Neville: Proud to sign a one-year contract extension
NEVILLE SIGNS NEW EVERTON DEAL

Everton captain Phil Neville has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2013.
Neville's previous deal was due to expire at the end of the current season and the club have moved to offer him a 12-month extension.
The 34-year-old, who joined Everton from Manchester United in 2005, has established himself as a key player in David Moyes' side since arriving on Merseyside.
Neville was delighted to pledge his future to Everton and praised the club for rewarding him with a contract extension.
"I feel really proud and this club has never let me down. It's shown faith in me again and for the next two years I'm going to give my all for this football club," Neville told the club's official website.

"That's what I've done for the last six years and that's what I'll continue to do."
The new deal will see Neville up to the age of 36 and he admits he hopes to continue his career beyond that.

"I want to play beyond that. But for the next two years I'm going to give my all.

"I love playing for Everton. I love the spirit in the club, I love the togetherness, and that's going to continue."

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Alberto Aquilani: Set for AC Milan move
AQUILANI: I AM CLOSE TO AC MILAN MOVE

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani claims he is close to joining Italian giants AC Milan.
Aquilani spent last season back in his homeland with a loan spell at Juventus, before returning to Anfield earlier in the summer.
Aquilani has been continually linked with a move back to his native Italy summer with the former Roma man seemingly not figuring in Kenny Dalglish's plans.
Juventus declined to sign Aquilani on a permanent basis because of his price-tag, while the 27-year-old also came close to joining Fiorentina earlier this summer, but he pulled out of the move as he wanted a permanent transfer rather than a loan deal.
Milan have now expressed an interest in Aquilani as they look to bolster their midfield options after being frustrated in their attempts to land Fiorentina's Riccardo Montolivo
"I am close to joining Milan," Aquilani told Gazzetta dello Sport.

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Wenger: Tough start to the season
GRAHAM: ARSENE WENGER SHOULD BUY

Former Arsenal boss George Graham has urged Arsene Wenger to make three big-name signings before the end of the transfer window.
Wenger has come under pressure from Gunners fans following a difficult start to the season.
"They need experienced, outstanding players and I think they need about another three in the side at the present time," Graham told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.
"They've got the money, let's sit down, get some of these players in he's supposed to be after and let's see if they can start winning trophies again."
The Scot, who led Arsenal to two league titles, claimed it would be "a struggle" for Arsenal to finish in the top four this term.
"They have big signs at the club saying 'Arsene knows'. Well I hope he does," added Graham.
"I think he's going to be there this season. I think he's under a little bit of pressure just now from the fans.
"But I think Arsene, if he sits down and is honest with himself, he'll put it all back together again. But he needs to do some hard thinking.
"Please get the the cheque book out Arsene. I think they need another centre-half, I think they still need a strong, outstanding, experienced midfield and I still think they need an out-and-out striker like a (Thierry) Henry."

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Didier Drogba: Uncertain future
AVB UNSURE OVER DROGBA FUTURE

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has admitted that he is uncertain about the future of Didier Drogba despite expressing his optimism last week about resolving contract issues with the striker.
Prior to their Premier League encounter with West Brom on Saturday evening, the Blues boss said that he was sure of reaching an agreement over the forward's prospective one-year contract extension.
Drogba's current deal with Chelsea expires at the end of the season and with the addition of strikers Fernando Torres in January and Romelu Lukaku this summer, his future at Stamford Bridge has come into doubt.
The 33-year-old started on the bench in their narrow 2-1 victory over the Baggies and was introduced only on the hour-mark for Torres, and Villas-Boas now says that he is unsure over how negotiations are developing.
"I don't know what is happening," the Portuguese told The Daily Star on Sunday.
"Didier knows about our offers and he has made a counter-offer and we are evaluating some things.
"I cannot be precise on whether he wants a longer deal than offered."

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Adam Johnson: Happy at Manchester City
ADAM JOHNSON REJECTS LOAN RUMOURS

Adam Johnson has dismissed rumours of a loan move away from Manchester City and stated his belief that the club can win four trophies this season.
The former Middlesbrough winger has failed to command a regular place in the expensively assembled starting line-up at the Etihad Stadium since moving from the Riverside in January 2010.
The 24-year-old was linked with a temporary move away from the club over the summer with the likes of Spurs, Everton and Aston Villa linked.
However, Johnson, who started City's opening Premier League game with Swansea last Monday, has committed his future to the club and believes they have a chance of winning all four of the trophies on offer this season - including the Champions League.
"It's not a case anymore of when City are going to do it, we are actually doing it now," Johnson told the Mail On Sunday.
"We're definitely going into four competitions thinking we can win them all.
"I know I can't play every game but as long as I play my fair share then I will be happy.
"People thought I'd be a bit-part player when I signed but I said to myself I'll show people how good I am and get straight into the team.
"I'd like to win the Premier League above anything else, including the Champions League. But we won't take anything lightly."
Johnson also revealed his determination to break into Fabio Capello's England squad ahead of next year's European Championships after missing out on the World Cup in South Africa last year.
"Missing out on the World Cup was devastating for me," added Johnson.
"That is gone now, but I can't not go to Euro 2012 as well. It is something I want to do so badly.
"I am going to be trying so hard for City and playing well, so he can't not pick me."

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Blackburn: Wants new signings
KEAN READY TO ADD NEW FACES

Blackburn manager Steve Kean is poised to add new faces to a side he is convinced will haul themselves off the foot of the Barclays Premier League.
Although only two games into the campaign, Rovers slipped to bottom in the table after slumping to a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa.
After falling 2-0 behind inside 25 minutes to goals from Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey, Morten Gamst Pedersen offered hope by pulling one back early in the second half.
Darren Bent, though, restored Villa's two-goal cushion and ensured the win with a thumping strike in the 67th minute to leave Kean's side without a point from two games.
Kean, though, has new signings lined up as he said: "We've had bids accepted and medicals took place at the club on Friday.
"Personal terms are being spoken about with other players, so we're confident we'll have another couple of bodies in."
Kean also pointed to the fact he was crucially missing injured defenders Gael Givet and Christopher Samba, although there are rumours the latter could join Arsenal before the transfer deadline expires.
"We're still bedding people in, and we've a young squad," added Kean.
"(Captain) Ryan Nelsen also played his first game yesterday after knee surgery, and even though he's not 100% fit, I'm delighted he put himself up for playing.
"We are a little bit inexperienced, and we do need our experienced guys back, and we need them back quick.
"All being well for next week we will have Gael and Chris available which will increase the number of senior players and give us a better mix."
Although Kean started the season as favourite with many bookmakers to become the first in the Premier League to be given the sack, and despite the start to the campaign, he is not feeling any pressure.
"I feel disappointed we've not put any points on the board because I feel we've been in both games," said Kean, whose side started out with a 2-1 home loss to Wolves.
"Although we've not managed to get anything out of the two, that's more disappointing than me feeling pressurised.
"I'm also disappointed for the players because they've grafted and whilst we don't have masses of experience, the young lads are battling away.
"If we can get the senior lads back in with a few new faces, then I'm sure we'll stride on."

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Phil Jones: Joined Manchester United this summer
FERGUSON HAILS JONES ATTITUDE

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he first tried to sign Phil Jones in January and was determined not to miss out on the defender this summer.
Jones arrived at Manchester United from Blackburn this summer in a £16.5million move, having impressed Ferguson in his last appearance at Old Trafford.
Despite being on the losing side of a thumping 7-1 Rovers defeat last November, Ferguson admits the youngster's maturity took him by surprise.
"When he was playing against us in the 7-1 game, after the fifth goal he was running out and giving everyone around him stick and he was only 18 then. I was very impressed," said the United boss.
"After that I tried to get him last January. We put an inquiry in but Blackburn wouldn't sell him at that time."
Jones will make his home debut at Old Trafford against Tottenham on Monday, and Ferguson has no concerns over his inexperience despite being without senior central defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
"He was just one that we couldn't miss," said Ferguson of Jones. "He's definitely got all the parts to his game, there is no doubt about that.
"He has got the desire to play and he's a good trainer, with a great determination about him."