Transfer News

Buffon to replace Almunia?

Reports suggest 32 year old Italian goalkeeper international Gianluigi Buffon could well be on his way to the Emirates Stadium. The Juventus keeper could replace Almunia, who has had a not so convincing season. Arsene Wenger who has admittedly said Manuel Almunia was never his number one long term keeper will be looking to replace him as soon as possible.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time and if these reports are to believed, his next destination will be the Emirates Stadium.

Buffon, who has won 100 caps for Italy, is expected to seal the switch to the Gunners within the next few weeks to end his nine-year stint in Turin.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been searching far and wide for a new goalkeeper after the inconsistent and error-prone displays of Manuel Almunia and backup Lukasz Fabianski this season.

Keep checking back for more information on this article.
Please leave your views in the comments area.

International News

Nasri left out of 30 man France squad

Arsenal’s Samir Nasri, along with Karim Benzema and ex Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira have all been left out of Raymond Domenech’s 30 man squad which will fly to South Africa’s 2010 FIFA world cup. Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, William Gallas and Abou Diaby from Arsenal will all be travelling with the French side this summer.

The 30 man squad going to the world cup:

GOALKEEPERS
Cédric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Mickaël Landreau (Lille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)
DEFENDERS
Eric Abidal (Barcelone), Gaël Clichy (Arsenal), Rod Fanni (Rennes), Marc Planus (Bordeaux), Anthony Réveillère (Lyon), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Sébastien Squillaci (FC Séville), Adil Rami (Lille)
MIDFIELDERS
Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Yann M’Vila (Rennes), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), Jérémy Toulalan (Lyon)
STRIKERS
Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Thierry Henry (FC Barcelone), Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille), Jimmy Briand (Rennes), Djibril Cissé (Panathinaïkos), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille), André-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Lyon)

Transfer News

Marouane Chamakh close to Arsenal move

As the French league slowly comes to an end, Marouane Chamakh is set to be out of contract with current team Bordeaux. There have been constant talks through-out the whole season on whether he would join the North London team. It is looking very close that he will put pen to paper and become an Arsenal player in the coming weeks after what has been a long and hard season. According to Sky Sports reports, the Morrocon international will join Arsenal on a free transfer.

Marouane Chamakh has spoke out to the media on how he would like to join the Premier League, hinting on several occassions that he would like to play for Arsenal and adapt to their style of play.

“I am delighted to join the English football atmosphere, it is something amazing,” he told French newspaper L’Equipe.

“I love Arsenal’s game. I know I will have to adapt but I know the short passing game with (Bordeaux midfielder) Yoann Gourcuff.

“In February, I made my decision. A departure clause (in a potential new Bordeaux contract) was not logical after refusing Arsenal last summer.

“Arsenal were not alone. There were Liverpool, Tottenham and crazy offers from Russia.

“But I was only focused on the Premier League.”

Chamakh has been with Les Girondins for 10 years and, while he is looking to the future, admits he will be leaving with a heavy heart.

“For my last matches with Bordeaux I can feel a lot of emotion,” he added.

“But I am leaving for a new challenge. At Bordeaux I was the club’s child. In London, I won’t be a kid anymore.

“I have grown, I have things to prove and I am motivated to achieve it.”

The debate lies on how he will do at Arsenal, will he be a success? Is he what Arsenal needs?
Keep checking back for the latest updates on this signing, and leave comments on what you think on the whole issue.