Arsenal join Montolivo race

Arsenal have joined Bayern Munich in the race to sign Fiorentina outcast Riccardo Montolivo. The midfielder has refused to sign a new contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season, so the Viola must sell now to avoid losing their investment.

An offer from Milan was rejected and director Pantaleo Corvino warned “he will only be sold abroad.”

- http://www.football-italia.net/aug21k.html

Samir Nasri ‘ready to stay at Arsenal’

The Gunners playmaker was expected to sign for City this week, but the deal did not go through, amid talk it had been held up by a dispute about agent’s fees.

However, French television station Canal+ has now offered a different explanation – one that is likely to delight many Arsenal fans. It claimed talks about the transfer have broken down and that the 24-year-old has now decided to stay with the Gunners.

- http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/872958-samir-nasri-ready-to-stay-at-arsenal-after-man-city-transfer-collapses

Arsenal Agree Deal ‘In Principle’ For Belgian Star

Arsenal have reportedly agreed a deal ‘in principle’ for Belgian star Eden Hazard.

According to Footybunker, the 20-year-old winger will sign for the gunners in a deal thought to be worth £23 million, but only if the north London club secure Champions League status.

Hazard, who won a league and cup double with Lille last season, is guaranteed Champions League football with the French champions, and wants to ensure that he could do the same at Arsenal.

- http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/arsenal-agree-deal-in-principle-for-belgian-star-10158/

Chelsea make £27m bid for Valencia’s Spanish international winger Juan Mata

Chelsea have bid £27 million for the Spanish international Juan Mata as manager Andre Villas-Boas made a decisive move to improve his squad before the transfer window closes.

The offer is expected to secure the 23 year-old from Valencia who are likely to accept the bid ahead of interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal dropped their interest in Mata last week, having allowed a £22 million buy-out clause in his contract to expire, and it now appears that was probably in response to Chelsea’s intervention and the knowledge they would trump any offer.

- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/8710223/Chelsea-make-27m-bid-for-Valencias-Spanish-international-winger-Juan-Mata.html