Almunia and Bendtner set to leave

The Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia are understood to be in talks with other clubs over moves away from the Emirates.

Both have been left out of Arsenal’s 23-man squad to travel to Asia on Sunday for their pre-season tour. However, Samir Nasri, who continues to be linked with Manchester United, will make the journey.

The France international Nasri has been the subject of intense speculation this summer, but his manager, Arsène Wenger, has repeatedly stated his determination to keep both him and captain Cesc Fábregas, who continues to be linked with Barcelona.

- http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/09/manuel-almunia-nicklas-bendtner-arsenal

St Etienne star Matuidi keen on PSG switch

St Etienne have revealed there is a €15 million release clause in Matuidi’s contract amid reported interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle.

With PSG now showing interest, though, the 24-year-old France international appears happy to remain in Ligue 1.

- http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/933325/st-etienne-midfielder-blaise-matuidi-keen-on-psg-switch

£15m Mata’s the next Juan for Arsenal

Arsene Wenger is desperate to clinch a £15million deal for Juan Mata – but NOT as a direct replacement for Samir Nasri.

The Arsenal boss is increasingly confident of landing Valencia’s Spanish winger and negotiations are underway between the clubs.

But Wenger is not looking at Mata, 23, to come in for Nasri, whose Arsenal future is still uncertain after he stalled on a new contract and is ready to quit.

- http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Arsenal-want-15m-rated-Valencia-winger-Juan-Mata-but-to-play-alongside-not-replace-Samir-Nasri-article762163.html

£27m Bid Placed As Arsene Faces The Facts At Long Last

Arsene Wenger is ready to break the gunners transfer record with a £27m bid to land Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, as the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri look all but certain.

The Daily Mail has indicated that a £34m deal for their captain’s assistance at the Nou camp is “close” to going through. Also, Manchester City are confident of bagging last season’s star of the show, Nasri, for a fee thought to be worth £19m.

- http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2011/07/premiership/arsenal/27m-bid-placed-as-arsene-faces-the-facts-at-long-last