Alex Song passes Barca medical prior to move

• zocoss

  14 Jul 12, 09:30

  £126 to see Gooners

  

   

  

  TICKET TO THE LIMIT ... Arsenal boss Wenger knows entry prices will be higher

   

   

   

  ARSENAL fans will have to stump up £126 for the most expensive tickets at the Emirates next season.

  Ticket prices for ‘A’ category games, like the two against Tottenham and Chelsea before Christmas will be on average £62 — up by 23 per cent.

  .

  But the top price will be £126, applying to around one per cent of available tickets in the ‘A’ band.

  The lowest priced matchday ticket for next season will be £25.50.

  Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis insisted: “We constantly aim to strike the right balance between offering tickets at affordable prices — while also ensuring that we have sufficient income to re-invest in the squad.”

• zocoss

  18 Jul 12, 21:30

  ROBIN VAN PERSIE 'TO STAY AT ARSENAL FOR ANOTHER YEAR'

  

   

  Robin Van Persie is currently in talks with Arsenal over his future

  ARSENAL are so set on keeping their star striker Robin Van Persie that they have said they will not sell him for any bid till his contract ends, according to reports.

  The 28-year-old striker has one year left on his contract at Arsenal and bosses have already said they will do their utmost to keep him despite Van Persie openly voicing his desire to move.
  
  According to sources, the club will tell Van Persie that they will not accept any offer for him this summer despite the Holland striker receiving high end bids from Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus.
  
  Arsenal are keen to keep Van Persie at all odds and are willing to tell the striker that they are prepared to risk losing him for nothing in a year's time instead of selling him now.

  Van Persie had hoped a move to Manchester City would be on the cards, although Roberto Mancini has been warned that he will have to offload players if he wants him.
  
  Juventus have offered the most solid offer so far, offering the Holland international a £6.3million a year salary, meaning he would be the highest paid player in Italy when Ibrahimovic moves to PSG.
  
  But Van Persie is unsure that a move to Italy would be right for him as he footballing glory is more of a priority for him than money.
  
  Arsenal are set to launch talks with Van Persie this week.
  
  
  

• Jacky Woo

  18 Jul 12, 22:44

  get the money and start buying now, dun like last season, everything wait last minute panic buys

• Medicated Oil

  18 Jul 12, 23:39

  Liverpool is a classic case study.

  Dun think the rest of the club will be doing the same money losing business.

• zocoss

  20 Jul 12, 22:16

  Van Persie refuses to go on pre-season tour as City, United and Juventus lodge £15m bids
  

   

  

  Which was it out? Robin van Persie chats to Theo Walcott on Friday

   

  

  On his way: Van Persie was all smiles in training amid his exit plans

   

   

   

  Manchester United and Manchester City have made £15million bids for wantaway Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, who has refused to join his team-mates on the pre-season tour of the Far East.
  

  The Premier League giants have been joined in the race for the Dutchman's signature by Juventus who have also made an official approach.

  Arsenal are holding out for at least £20m for Van Persie, whose contract expires next summer.

  Van Persie trained with his Arsenal team-mates on Friday morning and looked relaxed.

  Manager Arsene Wenger wants a quick resolution to the Van Persie saga so he can either prepare for the new season with the Dutchman in his plans or have enough time to find a replacement.

  Arsenal had been adamant their captain will make the trip to Malaysia on Saturday, but he will now remain behind, which surely signals the beginning of the end of his Gunners career.

  Arsenal fly to Kuala Lumpur on Saturday for a three-match tour. Arsenal play City at the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing next Friday.
  

  Sportsmail understands Wenger and his scouting team have spoken at depth about a move for Spain forward Fernando Llorente should their talisman leave.
  

  The 27-year-old - who scored 28 goals for Bilbao last season - has a £28million release clause written into his contract.

  And Wenger would use the £20m-plus from Van Persie's sale in his attempt to lure the striker.

   

  

  New man: Olivier Giroud trained with Arsenal on Friday as he settles in at the club

  

  Wish you were here? Arsenal target Fernando Llorente and his girlfriend in Ibiza

   

   

  At 6ft 5ins, Wenger believes Llorente has the physical attributes and ability on the ball to deal with the rigours of English football.

  But whether Bilbao would be willing to negotiate a deal below his hefty release clause remains unclear.
  

  In addition to Llorente, Fiorentina Stevan Jovetic and Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski have also been discussed as possible replacements for Van Persie.
  

  
  
• I.imba

  20 Jul 12, 23:36

  lol arsenal is going to get robbed again.

  sell Fabregas to barca so cheap, now Rvp also kena offer damn low price liao.

• zocoss

  6 Aug 12, 09:44

  Staying put: Wenger believes he's spent enough to buy RvP's love for Arsenal

   

  Gunners on course for £40m summer splurge – and reckon that's answered Robin van Persie's demand for money-where-your-mouth-is action

   

  

  Let's stay together: Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's big-spending summer could keep Robin van Persie at the Emirates

  Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's summer spending spree can persuade Robin van Persie to stay.

  Arsenal boss Wenger is determined to hold out for at least £20m for the Dutch striker and Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus have not increased their offers despite having opening bids turned down.

  It leaves Wenger believing that the club's spending spree - which will top £40m when Santi Cazorla is confirmed alongside Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud - may yet see van Persie stay.

  Arsenal will not sell van Persie for less than £20m and then if he stays beyond August 31 they will then try to persuade him to sign a new deal.

  Van Persie, who turns 29 today (August 6), will fly out to Germany for the club's pre-season training camp ahead of the friendly with Cologne next Sunday, as revealed in Mirror Sport last Friday.

   

  

  Spend, spend, spend... Santi Cazorla will be the third major signing by Arsene Wenger this summer  

   

  

  Netted: New Gunner Olivier Giroud poses at Arsenal training ground

   

   

  

  Home at last: Lukas Podolski's transfer kick-started a big spend by Arsene Wenger

   

   

  Arsenal will sell if the right offer comes in because they cannot risk him leaving for free next summer but the chances of the Dutch striker at least starting the campaign at the Emirates are increasing.

  Manchester United are now favourites and are expected to come back but Arsenal still have doubts as to whether they will match their price because Sir Alex Ferguson may have concerns over van Persie's age, injury record and that he will have no resale value.

  Juventus have had a bid turned down, the Italians have made a further enquiry but their coach Antonio Conte being fined and suspended have damaged their hopes while City fear they will miss out on van Persie.

  Arsenal expect to complete a deal for Cazorla this week but the £20m deal - a £16m basic fee with add-ons - is being held up by Malaga's financial problems. They are also still in for Real Madrid's Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin.

• zocoss

  6 Aug 12, 09:47

  United in the box seat for Van Persie after City boss Mancini concedes defeat in striker race
  

   

  

  

  Battle: Roberto Mancini has said Manchester City are out of the race, leaving the door open for United and Sir Alex Ferguson to sign Van Persie from Arsenal

   

   

   

  Roberto Mancini has admitted defeat in his pursuit of Arsenal's Robin van Persie.
  

  The Italian has been desperate to bring the striker to the Etihad but have faced stiff competition from Manchester United and Serie A giants Juventus.
  

  And after it emerged that Sir Alex Ferguson had stayed in Britain while his team were in Norway in a bid to force through a £20million deal for the Dutchman, Mancini has revealed his club are no longer in the race.  

  When asked about the Gunners star, the City boss said: 'Van Persie? No, I don't think he will come here.'
  

  United now expect to get the coveted signature of last season's Premier League top goalscorer by the time the new campaign kicks off on August 19.
  

  The club also expect to add young Brazilian Lucas Moura to their ranks in the coming days.
  

  Meanwhile, after the failed attempt to lure Van Persie to the Premier League champions, Mancini expects Edin Dzeko to remain.

  The Bosnian has failed to live up to the £27million City paid Woflsburg for him 18 months ago, and is wanted by several top clubs around Europe.
  

  However, responding to speculation about Juve and AC Milan's interest in the forward, Mancini added on Italian television: 'I'm pleased, as this means we have good players, but it’s pretty unlikely he will leave.'

  Speaking to German media this week, Dzeko hit out at his lack of playing time - he started just 16 league games last season - and suggested he would be ready to leave for the right club.

   

  

  Uncertain future: Robin van Persie doesn't know where he'll play next season

  

  Staying put: Edin Dzeko is now unlikely to leave Manchester City

   

   

  He said: 'In the second half of last season, I suddenly got to start far fewer games - and I’ve got no idea why.
  

  'I lost my rhythm. I joined City in order to play in matches. I never imagined that things would turn out the way they have. I am too good for the bench. If I continue to sit matches out, then anything is possible.'
  

  But Mancini added: 'He is right to say it’s no fun being on the bench, but when you join a big club then competition is normal.'

  
  
• NeverSayGoodBye

  7 Aug 12, 23:32

  Sometimes...love just ain't good enough.

• zocoss

  9 Aug 12, 10:40

  The price is £20m - to you, £25m: Arsenal want extra to sell RvP to United

   

  Striker has reportedly said no to Juve and City and Wenger still hopes he'll stay - but Gunners will add on a £5m premium if he picks Old Trafford 

  

  Red leaders: United are in pole position for RvP - but face paying £5m extra

   

   

   

  Sir Alex Ferguson has been warned it will take an “unbelievable” offer to persuade Arsenal to sell Robin van Persie to him.

  Gunners manager Arsene Wenger will not sell for less than £20m - and will demand a premium fee of more than £25m from Fergie and Manchester United because Arsenal do not want to do business with a direct Premier League rival.

  Meanwhile, Juventus, who have also been chasing the Dutch striker, have claimed van Persie has told them he will not move to Italy, but was signing for another club.

  Wenger still believes he can persuade van Persie to stay, even though United are expected to make an improved offer for him before the end of the week. 

  Van Persie trained with his team-mates at Arsenal’s pre-season camp in Germany on Wednesday night, ahead of their away friendly against Cologne on Sunday, and the club insist nothing has been agreed with United.

  "We have made a bid and they've been trying to negotiate with other clubs," said Ferguson after United's friendly against Barcelona on Wednesday night.

  "I don't have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit.

  "We're not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal. It's difficult to say why they're operating this way.

  "I don't know what their thoughts are, because they're not giving anything away."

  Even though van Persie has been training hard and is understood to be impressed with Arsenal's summer spending spree, his statement that he will not sign a new contract to replace the one that expires at the end of the coming season still leaves them with a major dilemma.

  Arsenal do not want to risk losing van Persie on a free transfer next summer, which may tempt them to sell even if the signs are encouraging that the striker is having a change of heart.

  The Mirror understands that van Persie has told Manchester City that he does not want to join them.

  Now Juventus are out of the running, United are likely to test Arsenal's, and van Persie’s, resolve with another bid.

  But Wenger and the club’s hierarchy are determined to hold out for a much bigger price if they end up selling to a rival.

  Arsenal are not convinced United will meet their asking price because of van Persie’s age - he turned 29 at the start of this week - and the fact he is only one year away from leaving the Emirates on a Bosman.

  Elsewhere, Wenger may consider a big offer from Barcelona for Alex Song, but is under no pressure to sell as the midfielder's contract does not expire until 2015.

  Arsenal would also want a ready-made replacement to be lined up before doing business with Barca.

  They have been tracking Real Madrid’s Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahi, who's also been linked with Liverpool, for a one-year loan deal.

  Rennes and France midfielder Yann M’Vila has also been a long-term target.

  Remind yourself of all the twists and turns in the van Persie saga with our transfer timeline,

  And read Steve Stammers' column on why Arsenal fans should remember Robin's model pro conduct since that infamous contract statement.

• Jacky Woo

  10 Aug 12, 18:39

  Arsenal should deal with united since RVP mind is set to join united.

  they should bargain for player exchange and cash, such as Wellback, Hernandez, Ashley Young or Valencia, Nani? Wenger can forget about asking for Rooney, as fergie will never let him leave united.

   

• JelloPoop

  11 Aug 12, 23:08

  It will be a disaster if RVP sign for Man utd. Dont see him fitting anywhere...I mean rooney is a very solid CF up front. If RVP come then rooney will play 2nd fiddle again just like the CR days......

• Bus&Soccer l0v3r (VO3x 1)

  13 Aug 12, 22:38

  i waiting for the deal to go through
  
  
  
  then u see welbeck kena on loan

• Saltiga

  14 Aug 12, 19:00

  Arsenal is just holding on for more money for a player on his final year, of course no denying that having him for them is indeed at asset but at current matchup Arsenal is not the place that can hold on to players when big club come a calling.. even ManU got slap in that with CR to Real

• zocoss

  15 Aug 12, 09:34

  Almost there! Arsenal and United open official talks over van Persie

   

  Striker could now make a £20million-plus move to Old Trafford in time for the Premier League kick-off - and Song's set to go too

   

  

  Welcome to Manchester: Van Persie is set to be a United player within days

   

   

   

  Robin van Persie is closing in on a sensational £20million-plus move after Arsenal officially began negotiations with Manchester United.

  The Mirror can reveal the two clubs spent Tuesday night talking about a deal which could now be pushed through before the Premier League kick-off this weekend.

  Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is likely to settle on a fee of just above £20m as United prepare to increase their offer for the Dutch forward, who is currently on international duty but won't be in the starting line-up when Holland play Belgium on Wednesday night.

  It is understood the clubs are very close to agreement on a fee.

   

   

  

  Shaking on it? Wenger will sell RvP to Fergie rather than lose him on a free  

   

   

  Arsenal would rather sell now than lose van Persie, who has already said publicly he will not extend a contract that is into its final year, on a free transfer next summer.

  United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already had a £15m bid turned down, and has reservations about paying a bigger fee for a 29-year-old who has one year left on his contract and a chequered injury record.

  But United are now prepared to go higher to get their man as they set about taking the Premier League title back from neighbours Manchester City.

  Fergie made direct contact with Wenger earlier in the week to try to push the deal through after weeks of posturing.

  The clubs are likely to find a middle ground which means it is highly possible van Persie will be on the move and will therefore not be involved in Arsenal’s opening game against Sunderland.

   

  Van Persie has made it clear that United is his preferred destination, ahead of Manchester City and Juventus, and that has prompted Arsenal to sell now.

  Wenger is also understood to be ready to cash in on Alex Song, who is a target for Barcelona.

  Arsenal will then look to bring in Real Madrid’s Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin on a one-year loan.

   

  

  The end? Van Persie played for Arsenal in Sunday's friendly against Cologne

   

   

   

  

  Vanishing point: Wenger is ready to sell Song to Barcelona and sign Sahin

   

   

   

   

  Liverpool are also keen and are prepared to pay a higher proportion of his £80,000-a-week wages, but the player would prefer to go to the Gunners.

  Wenger will be without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Saturday’s Sunderland game through injury.

  Gunners winger Theo Walcott also pulled out of the England squad with a thigh problem on Tuesday, but is hopeful of being fit for the weekend.

• zocoss

  16 Aug 12, 08:23

  Van United: Fergie finally lands RvP with massive £40million package

  Arsenal will get £24m for striker they faced losing for nothing in a year, he'll get £200k-a-week - and the Gunners may get Chicharito too!

  Take it as Red: Van Persie is United bound to end the summer's No.1 saga

   

   

   

  Sir Alex Ferguson has finally got his man, with Robin van Persie poised to join Manchester United in a £24million deal.

  Van Persie will sign a four-year contract with United on £200,000-a-week in a package worth almost £40m to the Holland international.

  United will pay £15m cash up front with the fee rising to a guaranteed £22m. But, depending on other add-ons, Arsenal could still land £24m.

  As revealed by the Mirror on Tuesday, Arsenal agreed to sell their captain and star striker once their asking price was met.

  He will travel to Manchester on Thursday, where he will undergo a medical at the city's Bridgewater Hospital before the deal is completed.

  After weeks of wrangling, Ferguson had made a personal plea to old foe Arsene Wenger to agree to allow van Persie to join United. Wenger was reluctant to let his prized asset join United, but was forced to cave in once the offer reached £24m.

  The Dutchman had just one year left on his contract, and Arsenal faced the prospect of losing him for nothing next year unless they sold.

  The capture is a formidable statement of intent from United on the eve of the new Premier League season, as they aim to reclaim the title from local rivals Manchester City.

  United's attack now boasts the Premier League's two leading strikers from last season in van Persie and Wayne Rooney, who scored 71 goals between them.

   

   

   

  

  Be afraid... Rooney and van Persie are set to team up for Manchester United  

   

   

   

   

  Ferguson feared he had lost out on van Persie a few weeks ago, with the United boss privately claiming Wenger wanted £30m for the forward.

  And only last week Ferguson went public with that dismay, accusing Wenger of trying to sell van Persie to any club other than United.

  Yet despite interest from Manchester City and Juventus, United was always Van Persie's first-choice, with Arsenal's asking price the only stumbling block to the move.

  Arsenal confirmed the deal on their website and United released their own statement moments later which said: "Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of Robin van Persie.

  "The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms."

  The news was greeted with fury by celebrity Arsenal fan and TV presenter Piers Morgan, who laid into the Dutchman on Twitter, labelling him "mercenary, heartless and selfish."

• zocoss

  16 Aug 12, 13:36

  Robin van Persie secures £22m move after Manchester United and Arsenal agree on a fee

  Robin van Persie is set to complete a £22 million move to Manchester United on Thursday after Arsène Wenger sanctioned the sale of the Arsenal captain to Old Trafford following a day of haggling over the final terms of the transfer.

  

  Him up north: Robin van Persie's move to Manchester United looks to have been finalised this evening Photo: GETtY IMAGES

   

   

   

  The Dutch forward, last season’s double Footballer of the Year, will fly from Brussels to Manchester this morning after being with the Holland squad for Wednesday night’s friendly against Belgium and will undergo a medical before signing a £200,000-a-week deal with Manchester United.

  United have overcome opposition from neighbours Manchester City and Italian champions Juventus to sign the 29 year-old, who had made it clear to Arsenal that he would not be extending his contract at the club beyond its expiry next June.

  Van Persie’s defection from the Emirates to Old Trafford, a rarely trodden path, will see him become the first direct transfer from Arsenal to United since England defender Viv Anderson completed a £250,000 move in 1987 to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s first signing as United manager.

  United released a brief statement on Wednesday night to confirm the agreement between the two clubs. The statement said: “Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin van Persie. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course.”

• zocoss

  16 Aug 12, 21:04

  'We had no choice': Arsene Wenger says he had to sell contract rebel RvP - and hints he won't spend cash now

   

  "We have already recruited since we bought (Olivier) Giroud and (Lukas) Podolski who originally were intended to offset the departure of van Persie," he added

   

  

  'We had no choice': Arsene Wenger was forced to sell Robin van Persie

  Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists the Gunners were left with "no choice" but to sell Robin van Persie to Manchester United.

  Sir Alex Ferguson's side confirmed last night they had agreed a fee of £24million, for the Dutch striker who is today expected to undergo a medical and finalise terms.

  "He is at Manchester United, unfortunately for us. The transfer was finalised in the afternoon," said Wenger whilst working for French TV station TF1.

  "It's never great to lose players of that quality but he only had a year contract so we do not have a choice." 

   

  Wenger also suggested the money from the van Persie deal would not be immediately reinvested in the team, as he has already brought in new players this summer.

  "We have already recruited since we bought (Olivier) Giroud and (Lukas) Podolski who originally were intended to offset the departure of van Persie," he concluded.

  Van Persie will sign a four-year contract with United on £200,000-a-week in a package worth almost £40m to the Holland international.

  After weeks of wrangling, Ferguson had made a personal plea to old foe Arsene Wenger to agree to allow van Persie to join United .

  Wenger was reluctant to let his prized asset join the Red Devils, but was forced to cave in once the offer reached £24m.

   

   

   

  

  The photoshop is so good it could almost be the real thing

   

   

   

  The Dutchman had just one year left on his contract, and Arsenal faced the prospect of losing him for nothing next year unless they sold.

  The capture is a formidable statement of intent from United on the eve of the new Premier League season, as they aim to reclaim the title from local rivals Manchester City.

  United's attack now boasts the Premier League's two leading strikers from last season in van Persie and Wayne Rooney , who scored 71 goals between them.

  The news was greeted with fury by celebrity Arsenal fan and TV presenter Piers Morgan, who laid into the Dutchman on Twitter , labelling him "mercenary, heartless and selfish."

  Meanwhile one Manchester United striker could be going the other way and joining Arsenal. Click here to find out which one.

  Plus our Arsenal expert John Cross says that although van Persie's move will be seen as a betrayal by fans, at £24m the deal represents good business for the Gunners.

• zocoss

  20 Aug 12, 22:14

  Going for a Song: Midfielder passes Barca medical prior to move

   

  "All the tests have come out satisfactorily and he is available to the coach"

  

  Going for a Song: Barcelona's new player

   

   

  Barcelona have announced midfielder Alex Song has passed his medical prior to a move from Arsenal.

  .

  The 24-year-old Cameroon international underwent tests with the club this morning and is now set to put pen-to-paper on a £15million five-year contract with the Spanish giants.

  Barcelona Doctor Ricard Pruna said of Song: "He has a very low body fat percentage and very good muscle quality. All the tests have come out satisfactorily and he is available to the coach."