Some exciting news out of Italy today points to Ricardo Alvarez becoming Arsenal’s first major signing of the summer. Tuttosport (in English courtesy of Google Translate) has reported that Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini revealed in a radio interview yesterday that Palermo had been interested in Alvarez earlier in the year, but that Palermo had lost out on the 23-year-old because he had “already signed for Arsenal.”

Of course, one Italian club president’s comments does not mean this is a done deal, but it is, at least, a much-needed sign that Arsene is not, in fact, spending the summer months doing his best impression of a Grizzly Bear in hibernation.

I don’t know a ton about Ricky Alvarez. I know that he is tall, has pace and good ability on the ball, and that he often features as a winger or attacking midfielder for Velez. In the videos I have watched of him, he looks deceptively quick for his height, although despite being over 1.8m tall, I don’t think I saw a single highlight of him using his head. My main question right now concerning Alvarez is: How will he settle in England? It’s a big switch from the Argentinian league to the Premiership, will Alvarez be a signing that can help Arsenal this season?

In the latest Cesc Fabregas news, the first Barca bid is in, and as expected the Catalonian’s £27m was promptly rejected by Arsenal. Sky Sports is reporting that Arsenal are though to be asking £40m for their club captain, but Barcelona feel that Cesc is worth less than last year, because he is a year older and has a year less on his contract.

It’s barely worth commenting on anymore, but I’ll say it again: Barca doesn’t set the price for Fabregas, just like Arsenal doesn’t set the price for Samba. The “year older” rationale is pure stupidity, Cesc is 24, not 30. The contract argument holds no weight either, he has 4 years left, he’s not leaving for free anytime soon.

I myself am more convinced each day that Cesc wants to leave, I just believe he has finally shown some maturity in the situation and is making his desires known privately, which is the way it should be. Nobody wants to start the season with the same uncomfortable bitterness that surrounded the situation last year.

Barcelona need to put their money where their mouth is here, they have the money around to spend on Villa last year and pursue Alex Sanchez this year, but when it comes to Fabregas they suddenly turn into the penniless underdogs. If you don’t rate him, then don’t try to sign him, but don’t waste everyone’s time, he’ll be there in 4 years anyhow. I personally feel a deal an offer of £35m-£40m would be enough, and if he goes for that amount I think it may be best for all involved.

In other news, TalkSport is reporting that Lille have stated very clearly that Eden Hazard will not be leaving the club this summer. The 20-year-old Belgian winger is highly rated and has been linked with a move to Arsenal several times.

“Eden is not for sale,” said Lille general manager Frederic Paquet. “We cannot let one of our best players leave this summer. The president has been very clear about this. He will be with us next season.”

This is not a major disappointment, with Gervinho likely making his way to North London this summer Lille were never going to let Hazard move on as well. It’s doubtful that Arsenal could afford the asking price anyway, at least without first selling off Cesc Fabregas. Still, I would like to see Hazard come to Arsenal someday, he is a real talent and he would fit in very well.

As always, whether you agree with me or not, I invite you to let your thoughts be known in our newly-launched Arsenal Forum!