The Arsenal Blog

It is being reported today in most of the major Spanish media outlets that Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes is on his way to Arsenal this summer after telling Barcelona that he is leaving. Barcelona are thought to have a goalkeeper lined up to replace him although they are keeping their mouths shut on just who that will be.

It has been reported at different times over the last few months that Valdes is unhappy at Barcelona and Barcelona are unhappy with him because of numerous attempts to agree a new contract for the Spaniard that have gone wrong and resulted in the possible transfer.  ...........Read more

Arsenal are hoping that Theo Walcott will sign a new deal to keep the forward at the Emirates Stadium, although Matthew Glazier of Bettingpro.com wonders if they really need him.

THEO Walcott arrived at Arsenal in January 2006 and it appears that he could be leaving seven years down the line, with the 23-year-old playing hard ball with the club when it comes to signing a new deal.

It might be the case that the player has already decided to leave the Gunners, whether that happens during the January transfer window or in the summer when Walcott might have more options available to him. However, Arsenal fans shouldn’t be too concerned about the player’s possible departure – here are five reasons why:  ...........Read more

Theo Walcott may be refusing to sign a new contract with Arsenal, but he keeps proving his worth every time he puts on the red and white jersey, including yet another goal in yesterday’s brilliant 5-2 win over Tottenham.

Most of the best football betting sites have made Chelsea the favourites to poach Walcott in January, but Arsene Wenger continues to insist that he will do his utmost to keep the England international at the Emirates.  ...........Read more

Arsenal’s problems are far from being over, as French manager Arsene Wenger has admitted the fact that winger Theo Walcott has yet to extend his deal with the Gunners.

Walcott’s contract will run out next season, and according to the Frenchman the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement yet.  After speaking about Robin Van Persie’s leave, Wenger turned his attention to Walcott, saying:

‘We are still trying to extend his deal.’

‘When a player doesn’t want to stay you either force him or you let him go.’  ...........Read more

ROBIN VAN ROONEY?

Arsenal are reportedly hopeful that their captain Robin Van Persie will do a Rooney and stay at the club by signing a new contract. The management apparently wishes to keep Van Persie at Arsenal, no matter what his final decision is, however with the power that players have these days I wouldn’t expect that to be the case, if he does decide he no longer wants to stay.

Arsenal will head into next week’s make-or-break talks with Robin van Persie hopeful the player is ready to perform a Wayne Rooney-style U-turn. This comes after suggestions from various sources that RVP, was considering his options, with only Juventus and Manchester City showing real interest.  ...........Read more

Arsenal’s officials have completely snubbed the possibility of Robin Van Persie to leave, saying that no officials offers have come in for the Dutchman yet, and that the club aren’t interested in the possibility to cash in for Robin’s services.

Team captain Robin Van Persie has been delaying his contract extension, and many seem to think that he’s looking to force Wenger in buying as many top players as possible during this summer’s transfer window.

Club chairman Peter Hill-Wood has stated:

“As far as I am aware nobody has made any offer for him and he is away so we are not in any dialogue at all,” said Hill-Wood.  ...........Read more

Even though the press is focusing all of its attention on Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie, the Dutchman is not the only top rated star who has refused to extend his contract, as Theo Walcott has also entered the last year of his contract with the Gunners.

The indecision hasn’t gone unnoticed as a host of clubs amongst which Chelsea, PSG and Juventus are believed to be hot on the winger’s trail, and if rumours are to be believed a transfer fee of £15million would  be enough to convince Arsenal’s officials to let Walcott go if the winger won’t agree to extend his contract with the club.  ...........Read more

Thomas Vermaelen has become one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers, and has formed a rock solid defensive partnership with Laurent Koscielny. He also comes up with some crucial goals, like the last minute winner against Newcastle in March.

Some bad news coming out of Spain is that Barcelona are about to abandon their attempts to pry Thiago Silva from AC Milan and might be planning a bid for Vermaelen, reports the Daily Mail. Milan are asking too much for their Brazilian defender, but Barcelona are desperate for defensive cover and are looking for a long term replacement for Carlos Puyol, who is getting towards the end of his career.  ...........Read more

Loaned-out Arsenal defensive midfielder Denilson has admitted his interest in a permanent deal with Brazilian side Sao Paulo, as the former Gunner failed to impress in London and had to be sent on loan so that he can get some playing time.

After the season spent on loan in Brazil, Denilson now wants to sign a permanent contract with the Brazilian side, being unwilling to return to the Londoners.

This might fit in perfectly if we take into consideration the fact that Arsene Wenger has been watching Sao Paulo’s attacking midfielder Lucas Moura, and might think about a possible exchange deal which may benefit both sides.  ...........Read more

Manchester City’s in command manager Roberto Mancini has hinted that the Citizens’ move for the Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie might go through this summer, after stating that a move from Napoli to Manchester by for Cavani would be impossible.

Mancini seems to think that bringing Cavani would be impossible for the Citizens, but that they have a good chance of landing Robin Van Persie due to his current contract. Robin is still under contract with the Gunners until the end of next season, and Mancini think there might be a chance of landing him if he won’t extend his contract.  ...........Read more