Portuguese midfielder Amaury Bischoff joins Arsenal

Arsenal can today confirm the signing of midfielder Amaury Bischoff.

The French-born Portugal Under-21 international, 21, was a youngster with French clubs SR Colmar and Strasbourg before moving to Werder Bremen in 2005.

Bischoff, who can play either in the centre of midfield or on the right, was a regular at youth levels for Werder Bremen. His one senior appearance for the Bundesliga club came against Celta Vigo in the UEFA Cup in 2007.

Amaury has played for France's Under-18 team, however in 2007 he elected to train with Portugal and to date has appeared for their Under-21 side.

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to welcome Amaury, who will wear squad No 28, and will join up with his team-mates for pre-season when the squad returns from their training camp in Austria.

Wenger - I am in the market for a midfielder

Arsène Wenger is aiming to bolster his midfield for the new campaign but, as yet, he does not have a specific target in mind.

After the Barnet game on Saturday the Arsenal manager said that he would bring in “one player certainly... maximum of two” before the window closed at the end of August. After the 1-1 draw at Szombatheyli on Tuesday he was more specific about the position but not the person.

“We will need one more body in there,” said Wenger when asked about his midfield. “At the moment we do not have Alex Song who is going to the Olympic games, Abou Diaby was not here tonight and nor was Fabregas.

“If we find a reasonable target then we will do it. But there is no special name on the list.

“We have some time. We have until August 31. We left 11 players back in Austria for this game. They will play in Stuttgart [on July 30].”

Before that, on Monday, Arsenal go to Ritzing to play a Burgenland XI. Arsenal TV Online subscribers will be able to see this game live.

Arsenal sign Francis Coquelin

Arsene Wenger has signed his third player of the summer and his second French midfielder with Francis Coquelin joining from third division side Laval.

The 17-year-old experienced a promising trial with The Gunners last season and was expected to put pen to paper in the last two months.

Coquelin reportedly passed a medical in North London in May but his move has just been officially announced on the club’s official website.

Laval revealed in June that the player, who did not sign a first professional contract with Les Tangos, was allowed to move on as a free agent.

As a consequence, Arsenal are believed to have signed the Frenchman without paying any fee.

“Arsenal have signed French midfield player Francis Coquelin on professional terms,” read a statement on the club’s official website.

Werder Bremen youngster Amaury Bischoff could be The Gunners’ next signing.

Nasri to sign in 10 days

Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri should complete his transfer to Arsenal in around '10 days', according to the player's agent.

The playmaker has been strongly linked with a move to Emirates Stadium, with manager Arsene Wenger a keen admirer of Nasri's quality.

A deal had reportedly been struck towards the end of June after the player's official website announced the France international had secured his transfer to North London.

However, the statement proved to be premature, and was subsequently removed, sparking confusion over the progress of the switch.

Since then, Marseille have wrapped up the signing of Hatem Ben Arfa from Lyon - a move which has reportedly paved the way for Nasri's transfer to go ahead.

And the 21-year-old's agent, Jean-Pierre Bernes, has explained that he expects Nasri to seal his move to Arsenal when he returns from his holidays.

"He is on his holidays. It (the transfer) will be made when he will be back, in about 10 days," said Bernes.

Arsenal are on the verge of signing Amaury Bischoff

Amaury Bischoff says he is set to join Arsenal after turning down a new contract at Werder Bremen.

The French-born midfielder has had his career tracked by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger since he was a youngster with Strasbourg.

He moved to Bremen in 2005, but has made just one senior appearance for the club against Celta Vigo in the Uefa Cup in 2007.

The 21-year-old was offered a new deal to stay in the Bundesliga, but claims he was unable to turn down the chance to move to Arsenal.

"Bremen was superb, but Arsenal is a huge opportunity for me," Bischoff told Bild.

"Wenger has known me since my time at Strasbourg and believes in my quality. He trusts me to be in the first team.

"Wenger has not put me under any pressure. He said, 'Take all the time you need'."

Bremen's managing director Klaus-Dieter Fischer admits the Bundesliga club were keen for Bischoff, who has struggled with injuries in the past, to stay.

Fischer told the club's official website: "We would be happy to have Amaury, but he has decided to take up a new challenge.

"We wish him well and thank him for the past three years."

Arsenal's 2008/9 prospects

Last summer the loss of Thierry Henry foretold of a season of struggle ahead for Arsenal who promptly began the year in fine style, racing to the top of the Premier League before a third placed finish ended the season as a disappointing failure.

A commitment to playing the game as it should engenders affection from neutrals and though they have failed to win a trophy in three seasons they remain a regular fixture of the big four.

	Dan the man: Daniel Guiza top scored in Spain last season

The move to Emirates Stadium should now be reaping rewards in increased revenues though Arsene Wenger's transfer budget is less than his peers, the club relying on the Frenchman's acumen in the transfer market to sustain a challenge for honours.

Arsenal will undoubtedly be out spent by their main rivals, with as many quality players leaving as joining, and a third placed finish again next year will probably represent some sort of success.

Manager:

Arsene Wenger.

Harry Redknapp may be considered the consummate wheeler dealer but Wenger's ability to find a continental bargain is unparalleled. Tottenham have spent double, in net terms, than Arsenal whilst he has been in charge. A football purist who nurtures young talent, he will never compromise his ideals as to how the game should be played.

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Last season:

3rd - 83 points

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The pot:

Arsenal are the relative paupers at the top end of the game. The recent move to Emirates Stadium may help in that respect over time though with the club still in the hands of a mainly English board the spending power of foreign investors is something Wenger can only dream of. That dream may become reality if Alisher Usmanov, the Uzbekistani multi-billionaire who owns 24.9 per cent of the club, is allowed to buy up more shares. The sale of Emmanuel Adebayor will leave Wenger with some money to play with.

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What they want / need:

The long -term injury to Eduardo as well as Robin van Persie's regular aches and pains left Arsenal desperately short up front at the end of last season. With Emmanuel Adebayor set to leave, probably to AC Milan the need to buy in that area is paramount. An extra centre-back is a must as is a defensive midfielder to replace the departing Mathiue Flamini.

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Who their targets are:

Samir Nasri - the latest 'next Zidane' is all but an Arsenal player with Valencia midfield hatchet man Raul Albiol also high on Wenger's wanted list to play alongside him, should the more highly rated - and much more expensive - Miguel Veloso of Sporting Lisbon prove out of reach.

In the striking department Daniel Guiza, who has impressed for Spain at Euro 2008 and top scored in the Spanish league with Real Mallorca last season, is looking for a move and would be a cheaper option than Mario Gomez of Stuttgart, who had a fine season for the German club despite an indifferent Euro 2008. Should Wenger want proven Premier League experience Peter Crouch is available for around £10 million whilst Roque Santa Cruz could be lured from Blackburn for a similar fee.

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Special One:

Wenger believes that Andrei Arshavin would fit in nicely at Arsenal due to the quick pass and move sensibilities of both Zenit St Petersburg and Russia, though Barcelona look the favourites to sign him

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Expect to see:

Lots and lots of pretty football and passes strung together but nothing won as Wenger bloods another raft of talented youngsters in an ongoing process of team-building. And a 7-1 gubbing of one of the weaker teams in the league.

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Don't expect to see:

Arsenal going through the season unbeaten.

Wenger praise for Arshavin

Arsene Wenger has conceded his admiration for Andrei Ashavin following the Russian's magnificent Euro 2008 performances.

Arshavin started the competition a frustrated onlooker as he was suspended for Russia's first two matches but against Sweden in their final group game, and then in the quarter-final against Holland, the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker stole the headlines.

Russia's performances have won widespread acclaim and at the hub of much of their best work has been Ashavin; a turn of events that has not gone unnoticed in North London.

The Zenit St Petersburg star will leave Russia this summer and it has been reported that he favours a move to Barcelona, but a whole host of English clubs have also been linked with the 27-year-old who claims he has offers from The Premier League and Germany.

Arsenal have been at the forefront of the growing speculation and that is unlikely to change given Wenger’s public declaration of his admiration for the player.

"Arshavin? I won't invent anything if I say he has been the revelation of the tournament," said Wenger in L'Equipe.

"His way to make a difference against his opponents is absolutely amazing. That is the mark of great players.

“The rumoured contact with Arsenal? As usual (there is speculation), but I've never met him."

Atletico plot rival Nasri bid

Atletico Madrid are reportedly ready to upset Arsenal's bid to sign Samir Nasri from Marseille.

The talented Frenchman looked set to complete a proposed move to North London before Euro 2008 kicked off before Arsene Wenger explained any deal would not be wrapped up until after the tournament was concluded.

Nasri has Les Bleus' problems to occupy his mind as they attempt to get out of the Group of Death following a dismal opening draw with Romania.

However, the midfielder remains a hot property on the transfer market with reports in Spain claiming Atletico want to build their team around him next term.

Coach Jesus Garcia Pitarch is said to be a massive admirer of the player, who has a long-term deal waiting for him to sign at Emirates.

The Gunners would still appear to be strong favourites to land one of their leading summer targets but a sustained rival bid from Madrid could complicate matters a little for Wenger.

Ramsey prefers Gunners

Cardiff City have released a statement claiming Aaron Ramsey has made it clear he would prefer to join Arsenal.

The winger is one of the most highly-prized players in The Championship and Cardiff have conceded that they will have to let the teenager further his career this summer.

Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United have all had bids accepted for the player and it had been suggested Ramsey was keen on a move to Old Trafford.

However, The Bluebirds have stirred the nest by claiming the player has indicated a preference for Arsenal.

“Cardiff City were informed on Friday morning that Aaron Ramsey's preferred destination this summer is at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal,” read a statement on Cardiff’s official website.

Cardiff are now set to enter into dialogue with The Gunners and they have added that there will be no option for a loan back for the 2008/09 season.

The statement added: “We will now continue the dialogue with the Gunners with view to Aaron's move being completed.

"The move unlike other options however does not include a loan back period at Ninian Park for the 2008/09 season.”

Nasri not before July - Wenger

Arsene Wenger has informed the French media that Samir Nasri will not sign for Arsenal before Euro 2008 ends.

The Gunners boss, currently resting at Merano’s health centre in Italy, has declared that the Marseille playmaker could play in North London next season, but he will not sign next week.

The attacking midfielder was expected to be transferred to the Premier League giants before the start of the European competition but Wenger, pushing for his signing, claims that the 21-year-old will not commit his future to Arsenal before July.

Nevertheless, the Alsatian boss remains optimistic about his chances to bring the France international to Emirates Stadium and was impressed by Nasri's display during France's friendly with Paraguay on Saturday night.

“Nasri, he interests me,” Wenger told RMC.

“I hope I will do it after the Euros.

“It is more complicated now because the wage differences [between the French and the English league] are not as big as they used to be.

“Just watch [Karim] Benzema. He is 20 and recently signed a new deal.

“It is very difficult [to transfer players from the French league] but England is considered one of the two top leagues and the best players want to play against the best players.”

Wenger - Nasri signing likely

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that the signing of Marseille's highly-rated playmaker Samir Nasri is 'likely' to be completed.

The Gunners have been strongly linked with a swoop for France international Nasri, with reports claiming he will replace midfielder Alexander Hleb, who is expected to leave Emirates Stadium this summer.

And Wenger has confirmed that talks are underway as he looks to secure Nasri's signature before the Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland, which start on 7th June.

"It is likely to happen," he told Telefoot.

"And if it does happen, it will be before the start of the European Championship."

Nasri, who has often been likened to Zinedine Zidane, has been included in the provisional France squad for Euro 2008.

Jibril looking forward to Arsenal trial

Accra Hearts of Oak teenager Tawrik Jibril will spend two weeks on trial at Arsenal next month as he hopes to secure a permanent move to the club.

And he is looking forward to showing what he can do, saying

“I am ready to play under coach Wenger and I will be happy to show the world what I can do.

I like the style of play of Arsenal because of the silky skills and that is what I can add to the team.

if I am given the chance I know I can play in the first team - I am not afraid.

we play before big crowds and even though they call me a small boy I am not afraid of them.”

He certainly seems ambitious and is the type of player that would fit nicely into Arsenal’s style of play. His agent has also tipped him for big things, saying

”We have taken the future development of the player into consideration and we all know that there is coach better than Arsene Wenger who can do the work

We must not forget that for a multi-talented young African player he needs an African environment to probably flourish.

Arsenal offers that more than any other team with several African players at the club.

But Arsenal must be ready to pay the price demanded by his club and also assure us that he will develop well.

Torric is the next big thing to hit world football and you need to see his unbelievable qualities.

At this age to be playing in Ghana’s midfield full of talented players should tell you a lot.” Quotes from thesun.co.uk

The young Ghanian is estimated to be worth approximately £1.5million which may seem a lot of money to pay for a 16 year old, but given his enormous potential it could be worth it in the long run.

The likes of Atletico Madrid and Roma have both been after him in the past, but if he impresses during his spell at London Colney, then he could well be coming to Arsenal.

Arsenal sign Francis Coquelin

According to reports from the French press, Arsenal have signed Francis Coquelin on a free transfer.

The 17-year-old French midfielder did not feature in the European Under-17 Championships due to injury and domestic media claim that he underwent a medical in London on Tuesday prior to the signing of a long-term contract with The Gunners.

Coquelin previously experienced a trial at Arsenal’s London Colney training grounds and it appears the former Laval player impressed fellow countryman Arsene Wenger.

A statement from his former club Laval – Ligue 2 – states that: “We are hearing here and there different destinations for different transfer fees.

“The truth of the moment it that Francis Coquelin is free.

“Nothing more links him with MFC, as a consequence his future club have no obligation to pay an education fee.”

The French media also claimed on Wednesday that two Ligue players, Samir Nasri from Marseille and Clement Chantome from Paris Saint Germain, are on Arsenal’s wish list.

Agent: Nasri not a done deal

Samir Nasri’s agent has warned Arsenal that he and his client are in no rush to decide the midfielder’s future, and Jean-Pierre Bernes also claims he has received rival offers for the France international.

Both English and French media alike have been awash with speculation that Nasri is poised to move to North London after the playmaker admitted that Marseille’s game with Strasbourg on Saturday could be his last for the Ligue 1 club.

Respected daily L’Equipe further claimed on Wednesday that a deal had been reached between the two clubs and it appeared to be only a matter of hours before the 20-year-old was unveiled as Arsenal’s first signing of the transfer window.

Bernes has sought to put a dampener on such reports though, claiming that Arsenal have competition to sign a player who has been described as ‘the new Zinedine Zidane’ thanks to his Algerian roots and the fact he is a playmaker born in the streets of Marseille.

"We are not in a hurry. It is true that we are examining an offer from Arsenal, which is interesting for Samir Nasri from a sporting point of view," Jean-Pierre Bernes told La Provence.

"But I have also received other offers.”

French trio lined up by Wenger

Arsenal are closing in on a triple French swoop with Samir Nasri, Clement Chantome and Francis Coquelin all understood to be on the verge of moving to North London.

The biggest of the three deals is that of Nasri - who only recently signed a new long-term contract with Marseille.

But l'OM have agreed to let him leave as they hope to sign Hatem Ben Arfa from Lyon as a replacement.

Arsenal, who also have an interest in Ben Arfa, have agreed a deal for Nasri believed to be worth 15million euros (£11.9million).

Nasri is expected in the English capital on Wednesday for a medical before signing a four-year deal.

While Wenger is a fan of both Nasri and Ben Arfa - the l'OM man has always been his preference and it appears he is now close to capturing him.

Nasri's signing is likely to be followed by the arrivals of Clement Chantome and Francis Coquelin.

Chantome was one of the few Paris Saint Germain players to come out of last season with any plaudits after a string of impressive displays in central midfield.

The 22-year-old has been likened to Mathieu Flamini and Wenger is reported to have met with the French Under 21 international in the last week.

Coquelin - who is with third division Laval, has been on trial with Arsenal and although he picked up an injury during training - the 17-year-old seems to have done enough to earn a deal.

It is believed Coquelin is currently in London undergoing a medical ahead of a deal.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have also handed a trial to Ghanaian starlet Tawrick Jibril.

The 16-year-old is currently with Hearts of Oak and has been linked with Atletico Madrid.

Jibril will link-up with Arsenal in July and will hope to make an impression on Wenger.

Gunners trial Ghanaian talent

According to reports in Ghana, Arsenal have handed a trial to Accra Hearts of Oak teenager Tawrick Jibril.

The 16-year-old midfielder has attracted a lot of foreign interest in recent weeks and has apparently caught the eye of Arsenal’s chief scout Steve Rowley.

Reports claim that Jibril will undergo a two-week trial at Emirates Stadium in June with a view to impressing Arsene Wenger.

Continuing their unstinting search for undiscovered talents across the globe, The Gunners are also being linked with French youngster Francis Coquelin.

Reports in France detail how the 17-year-old Stade Lavallois midfielder and France youth international recently spent a trial spell in North London that was cut short due to injury.

Aquilani opens discussions with Arsenal, says agent

Arsenal are in talks with Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, according to the player's agent.

The Gunners reportedly had an offer rejected for the 23-year-old Italy international last summer, however it is claimed they are set to renew their interest

Manager Arsene Wenger is rumoured to be keen to bolster his midfield options after losing the out-of-contract Mathieu Flamini to Milan.

Aquilani's agent, Vincenzo Morabito, told Italia Uno: "Aquilani is speaking to Arsenal. We will have to see if Roma will be able to match his demands."

Gunners set sights on Nasri

Arsenal are believed to be preparing a summer swoop for Marseille starlet Samir Nasri.

The Gunners are keen to bolster their midfield options following the departure of Mathieu Flamini to Milan and have identified the French international as their prime target.

The 21-year-old signed a new long-term contract at Stade Velodrome just a fortnight ago, but it is understood that the deal was only agreed in order to settle a transfer protocol with the Ligue 1 club.

Marseille are subsequently in a position to demand 17.8million euros (£14million) for the player, a figure which Arsene Wenger may struggle to meet.

If the Gunners fail in their attempts to bring the playmaker to Emirates Stadium, Internazionale and Real Madrid are expected to renew the interest they showed in Nasri last year.

Gunners eye Sporting midfielder Miguel Veloso.

With Mathieu Flamini gone and Alexander Hleb seemingly close to an Emirates exit, the latest name being linked with a move to North London to plug the gap is Sporting midfielder Miguel Veloso.

The 22-year-old Portugal international is believed to fit the bill for Wenger, who is looking to replace the Milan-bound Flamini with a similarly defence-minded midfield player.

Reports from Veloso’s homeland suggest that negotiations may be entered into over the coming weeks as The Gunners do not want to lose out on him, as he has also courted interest from Manchester City while being constantly linked with their rivals United over the past 18 months.

A stumbling block appears in the suggested €30 million (£23.9m) release fee clause in Veloso’s contract, a sum that Portuguese publication O Jogo maintains the Arsenal board will meet in order to secure the player’s services.

Yaya Toure would love to play alongside brother

Speaking exclusively to skysports.com, Yaya Toure has admitted he would love to play alongside his brother Kolo at Arsenal.

The Gunners are being strongly linked with a move for the Barcelona midfielder - who could be surplus to requirements next year with Pep Guardiola taking over from Frank Rijkaard.

The player himself admits he would jump at the chance to move to Emirates Stadium.

"I am aware of the interest from the Premier League," he told skysports.com.

"But I can't say anything yet - however it would be great to play in a big team with my brother, it would be fantastic but you never know."

Toure admits it has been a difficult first season in Catalunya - with Barca failing to win any silverware.

"Our season was very difficult and for us it is very painful - we are winners and it is difficult," he continued.

"We have so many great players, we don't understand how we are so far behind Real Madrid.

"I want to let the fans know how much we care about this great team, it is the dream of all the players to wear the blaugrana shirt."

Guardiola is due to succeed Rijkaard in the summer and Spanish reports claim that this could be bad news for Toure - but he admits to being a fan of the Barca legend.

"He was one of my favourite players," he enthused.

"He is a playmaker in front of the defence, he plays football like it should be played - I loved watching him when I was in the academy learning my trade."