The well-respected Telegraph newspaper are one of several media outlets who’re reporting that the Argentinean hitman has agreed personal terms of £130,000-a-week to move to the Emirates this summer with a £22m deal understood to be close to completion.

The boss is believed to be keen to conclude negotiations with the Spanish giants quickly and he’s confident he’ll have Higuain on board before we fly out to the Far East for a pre-season tour early next month.

Should this deal go through it would represent a huge shift in Arsene Wenger’s transfer policy and be a real statement of intent from the club. Fans have been crying out for us to spend some money and open the purse strings a little and with all the talk of Wenger having a ‘£70m warchest’ at his disposal, it seems we’re finally being given our wish.

If signing Higuain wouldn’t be exciting enough, the Telegraph are also reporting that Arsenal hold a serious interest in Everton’s Marouane Fellaini and are eager to pursue a deal, but Wenger has so far been reluctant to match the Belgian’s £24m buy-out clause.

Personally, I’d love to see Fellaini join the club and £24m seems a reasonable price for a 25-year-old international who’s proven in the Premier League and would offer something different to the squad. If we’re serious about buying him, I suggest we get things moving asap before the likes of Chelsea and Man City come sniffing….if they haven’t done so already.

Just imagine how much stronger the Arsenal starting eleven would look with Higuain and Fellaini in it:

Szczesny

Sagna  -  Mertesacker -  Koscielny  -  Gibbs

Arteta  -  Wilshere

Walcott   –   Fellaini   –    Cazorla

Higuain

You can argue about how we’d shape up and who would play where, but there aren’t many better sides than that around, that’s for sure. MAKE IT HAPPEN ARSENE!

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Would you like to see Higuain and Fellaini sign this summer? Would we have a team capable of challenging for the title? Share your views below…

Aubameyang tempted y Anzhi

Arsenal target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted he’s tempted to join Anzhi Makhachkala after being urged to make the move to Russia by Samuel Eto’o. The Gabon international is available for around £15m this summer after being given permission to leave French outfit St Etienne.

The 23-year-old had an excellent season last term, scoring 19 goals in 32 league games and that form has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Fiorentina among others.

However, Cameroonian hitman Eto’o has advised Anzhi to join the hunt for the lanky striker and it seems the prospect of a big-money move to Russia appeals to the youngster. After being asked about joining Anzhi, he admitted:

“Such a proposition obviously makes me think about it.”

With the opportunity to move to the Premier League or Serie A, if he opts to go to Russia I think it’s safe to say he’s gone for the money!

[Source:  Sky Sports]

Benteke wants Gunners move

Christian Benteke has opened the door to a move to Arsenal after admitting he’d be keen on moving to north London if we come calling this summer.

The Belgian powerhouse has become one of the hottest properties in the Premier League after hitting 19 goals for Aston Villa last season. Arsenal are one of several clubs to be credited with interest recently, and it seems the 22-year-old would love to become a Gunner, judging by his latest comments.

“I hope that if I leave my club a deal can be done more quickly than the one last year,” he said.

“There is no point in me getting into a tug-of-war with Villa, and I don’t think there is any need for one. If the chance comes up for me to join a club like Arsenal, I am convinced that we can reach a compromise where everybody comes out a winner.

“If Villa say that I have to stay put, I will find it hard to accept. I don’t want to be left with regrets about not getting the most out of my career. It’s only normal for there to be transfer rumours about me. I have done my job on the pitch. It could be risky to change clubs a year before the World Cup finals. When a situation arises, I will weigh up the pros and cons with my family, as I cannot afford to make a mistake.”

“I have asked my agent not to bother me with transfer talk while I am away on Belgium duty,” he said.

“It’s now down to him to do his job. I have known him since I was 14 years old, and I have complete confidence in him.”

Benteke cost Villa just £7m last summer but his value has now soared to nearer £20m after his superb season in England and I personally would love to see us make a move for him.

[Source: Express]

Goretzka race hots up

Arsenal are set to lock horns with Borussia Monchengladbach for the signature of starlet Leon Goretzka.  The 18-year-old has emerged as one to watch in Germany after an impressive year with VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga second division and he’s been compared to compatriot Mario Gotze.

His form has attracted interest from several clubs throughout Europe but Arsenal and Monchengladbach appear to hold the most serious interest and are going head-to-head over the midfielder this summer, with the player valued at around £3m.

Goretzka’s manager, Walter Schneck, believes his client can go on to become one of the best players on the planet.

“I have never seen a 18-year-old who has so much class and desire.

“The boy will find his way into the world’s best!”

I must admit I know very little about this lad, but if he’s being compared to Gotze, he can’t be too bad! Shame we couldn’t snap up the real thing though, eh?!

[Source:Express]

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Of these rumours only the link to Benteke catches my eye.  As striking options go, I think he’s right up there and is certainly one of the more attainable players on the market. It’s going to be an exciting summer, let’s see what Arsene brings us…

Who would you like the boss to sign this summer? Would Benteke be a good buy?

The video below shows some of the more memorable Arsenal goals of the 2012/13 season including Lukas Podolski’s stunning volley against Montpellier, Santi Cazorla’s pile-driver against the Hammers, Theo Walcott’s junking run versus Newcastle or Kieran Gibbsy’s belter against Swansea. Sit back and enjoy…

Williams has been on Arsene Wenger’s radar in recent months after another impressive season with the Swans that saw the 28-year-old lead his team to a top 10 finish in the Premier League as well as lift the League Cup at Wembley.

With Thomas Vermaelen tipped to leave Arsenal this summer after falling behind Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny in the pecking order, it seems Williams is the man the boss has identified to come in and replace the Belgian.

Liverpool have also been strongly linked with a move for the Welshman with Brendan Rodgers looking for a replacement for Jamie Carragher, but it appears we’ve won the race with Goal claiming a three year deal worth £60,000-a-week has been agreed with the centre-back and now all that’s left is to settle on a fee with Swansea.

It’s understood that we’ve opened preliminary talks and started the bidding at £8m, but the final fee is likely to be nearer £10m, with the signing expected to be completed in the next two weeks. The Daily Mail are also running a similar story but with less detail, so it looks like Williams could be coming to the Emirates this summer.

I feel he’d be a good squad player but has little chance of breaking up the Koscielny-Mertesacker partnership. Wenger is highly unlikely to change his starting pair next season after the impressive run-in so i fear the best Williams can hope for is being 3rd choice – if Vermaelen does leave.

Personally, I’d like to see the Belgian stay and we go into next season with 4 strong centre-backs, but unfortunately I only see Williams coming in if Vermaelen is sold. Either way, we should have a dependable back up option in case of injury or suspension to our first choice pairing.

What do you make of this news? Would you welcome the signing of Williams?

According to the Mirror, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had identified the young German stopper as a potential recruit this summer as he looks to bring in some serious competition for Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks.

Both Arsenal and Italian side Inter Milan are believed to have put forward proposals to the Bundesliga outfit but Stegen has rejected the opportunities and is holding out for his dream move to Barcelona.

The Catalans are also understood to be keen on the talented 24-year-old as they look for a replacement for Victor Valdes – who’s set to leave after confirming he won’t be signing a new contract at the Nou Camp – and it seems the Moenchengladbach keeper has his heart set on joining the La Liga champions.

I can’t say I’m too disappointed with this news, to be honest. I still see Szczesny as our long-term No.1 and feel we need to sign an experienced keeper this summer, not someone of a similar age to the young Pole. Szczesny has bags of talent but I think he was thrust into the first team too young and has paid the price this season.

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What he needs is an experienced head to learn from in training and someone who can teach him a few things over the next couple of years before Szczesny can then take over as our full-time first choice. Someone like Julio Cesar could be ideal. He has bags of experience, has played in the Premier League and at 33 he won’t be a long-term threat to Szczesny.

But if we’re going to sign a keeper under 28 and install him as No.1 next season, then I think it all but ends Szczesny’s Arsenal career. Which would be a shame as he’s a superb talent who just needs polishing.

What goalkeeper would you like Wenger to sign this summer? Leave your choices in the comments section…

A new front man is a certainty this summer and with the boss believed to armed with a ‘warchest’ of around £70m, it seems we can finally dream of signing some of Europe’s top names.

Jovetic has been on our radar for some time now and it’s understood we narrowly missed out on signing him last summer after the Serie A club persuaded him to stay for another year to try and propel them into the Champions League.

However, he finally looks set for a move after the Viola failed to secure the top three finish they needed last season and Andrea Della-Valle, the Fiorentina president, confirmed the 23-year-old can now decide his own future and they wont stand in his way if he wants to leave.

“The future is in his hands. From my promise last summer, if he wants to look elsewhere he can do it. If we were to lose Jovetic, there could also be important resources but I hope he can continue here with us.” Della Valle is quoted as saying in the Telegraph

So Jovetic is available but the Italians are believed to be holding out for the full £25m asking price, which the Telegraph suggest has lead Arsene Wenger to look at potentially cheaper alternatives with Madrid pair Higuain and Benzema under serious consideration.

Both strikers are 25 and have the pedigree the boss is looking for as he searches for a striker that can come straight in and hit the ground running. The duo could be made available this summer with Madrid understood to be keen to re-shape their squad after a disappointing campaign and the report claims we’re set to make formal enquiries over their availability.

Benzema has been a favourite of Wenger’s for years so it wouldn’t surprise me if he was the managers first choice. However, he’s also likely to be the most unattainable. If I’m honest, I’d take any of the three strikers we’ve been linked with here, but if I had to choose one I’d say Benzema would be my top pick too.

Which striker would you choose? Let us know your opinion below…

We’ve been heavily linked with a move for the young Auxerre striker in recent months and boss Arsene Wenger revealed last week in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Newcastle game that a deal for the 20-year-old was close.

But speaking to Sky Sports News, Sanogo has also confirmed he’s elected to follow in the footsteps of Abou Diaby and move to north London where he hopes to improve under the tutelage of Wenger.

“Arsenal could be a great club for me, I scored nine goals this season with Auxerre and they think I can improve my level in England,” he told Sky Sports.

“I am pleased to be following in the footsteps of Abou Diaby who came through from Auxerre.

“There are many teams interested in me, but Arsenal is my choice.”

Many fans are rightly excited about the world-class names being linked with Arsenal at the minute. Today we’re understood to be in talks over a potential £24.5m deal to sign Stevan Jovetic and other reports claim we’re lining-up a £19m move for Gonzalo Higuain.

While it’s vital we bring in players of that caliber this summer , it’s also important to plan for the future and Sanogo could prove to be an astute buy. He’s young and extremely talented from what I’ve seen of him, and a goal return of 9 in 11 games this season is impressive. The main concern is his injury record but he’s out of contract this summer, therefore we’ll only need to pay Auxerre compensation for him, so he’s certainly worth a punt.

So while we’re all dreaming about the big-money signings, lets not forget we also need to carry on our tradition of signing Europe’s best up-and-coming talent and unearthing hidden gems. Who knows, he could prove to be the next Nicolas Anekla. Welcome to Arsenal Yaya Sanogo. (I’m sure we can come up with some amazing songs for him with that name!)

Boss Arsene Wenger is believed to have made a top drawer striker his priority this summer and Jovetic is one of several strikers we’ve been strongly linked with in recent months.

Our chances of landing the 23-year-old received a huge boost when Fiorentina missed out on qualifying for next seasons Champions League after AC Milan hit two late goals to pip them to third place on the final day of the season, and it appears Jovetic could now be on the move this summer.

The Montenegrin international was close to leaving the Viola last summer when he asked for a transfer but was eventually persuaded to stay for another year and try to propel the Tuscan club into the Champions League. However, following their final day heartbreak, a move now looks a certainty and we’re right in the mix for his signature.

The Metro claim the players agent, Fali Ramadani, is in London for talks with Arsenal after we tabled a £24.5m bid – which would smash our current transfer record – and he will then report back to the player with our proposal.

Jovetic isn’t the out-and-out goal-scorer many Arsenal fans think we need. His career goal-scoring record is about 1 goal every 3 games (62 goals in 192 games), but his all-round play is excellent and he’d fit in well with out technical style of play.

Some fans argue a player such as Gonzalo Higuain (who’s also been linked with us this today) would be a better option but his lack of pace is a worry for me. Sure he’s a fantastic goal-scorer and I’d be more than happy to see him signed this summer, but Jovetic may be a better all-round and more versatile option.

Whoever we end up signing, it’s gearing up to be an exciting summer and I have the feeling this could be the year Wenger finally spends some serious money and builds a squad capable of pushing for silverware next season.

With United, City and Chelsea all getting new managers and the adaptation periods that will inevitably be involved when there’s a change of boss, we have a real chance to do something special next season but it all hinges on bringing in 3 or 4 top quality signings and either Jovetic or Higuain would be a great start!

Jovetic or Higuain? Who would you want Arsenal to sign? Please share your thoughts below….

Football tickets are usually hard to come by in north London at the best of times but when the champions are in town, it’s almost impossible. I had to call in a few favours to get myself a ticket for Sunday’s game but luckily I’ve got my hands on one and I’ll be in the north Bank to get behind the boys.

Much of the pre-match talk centered around the return of Robin van Persie and giving him and his Manchester United team mates a guard of honour.

Personally, I don’t know what all the fuss is about regarding the guard of honour. They gave us one back in 1991, we’re a classy club and there is no reason why we shouldn’t return the favour. We’ve been nowhere near the league title for years and whether we like it or not, United have been the most consistent team in the division this season and are deserved champions.

The main problem in many fans eyes is having to clap a certain Dutchman on to the pitch, which I completely understand and it’s going to be gut-wrenching, but we all knew when he left there was a good chance he was going to win things. It’s unfortunate how it’s worked out with them winning the title in the run-up to his return to the Emirates but we’ll just have to deal with it. Maybe Fergie will go easy on us and rest RVP?! We can but dream.

Anyway, United may have little left to play for but Arsenal are desperate for the points and hopefully that will reflect in the game. We should want it more and that should make the difference on the pitch. If not, we only have ourselves to blame.

Tottenham took apart a half-hearted Man City side during the last 20 minutes at White Hart Lane last week and there’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to beat this United side in similar fashion.

We’re still in the driving seat for third and a win on Sunday will put us in great shape with Wigan, QPR and Newcastle left to play. Chelsea and Spurs have to play each other and the Blues fixtures look tough on paper, especially considering they also have their Europa League exploits to think about, so I still fancy us to get fourth at least.

Team News

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Lukasz Fabianski will miss out once again with a rib injury meaning Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal. The young Pole has done little wrong since returning to the side but he could be a busy boy this weekend so hopefully he’ll put in a good display and stake his claim for the No.1 shirt next season.

The big call the boss has to make is who to bring  in for the suspended Olivier Giroud up front. My personal choice would be Lukas Podolski but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Theo Walcott or even Gervinho given the nod up top.

Jack Wilshere will be recalled to the starting eleven, most likely in place of Tomas Rosicky, while Kieran Gibbs may also come in for Nacho Monreal at left back.

It’s very difficult to predict what team Sir Alex will field now they’ve won the league. He hinted earlier in the week that he’ll give some of his fringe players some game-time during the final four games but that doesn’t mean he’ll start the likes of Hernandez, Cleverley or Nani this weekend.

I have a feeling we’ll see virtually a full strength side from United. Fergie has already confirmed Ferdinand and Vidic will start with Phil Jones moving to midfield, and I think RVP will be the first name on the team-sheet. Ferguson won’t begrudge his new boy-wonder the chance to play at his former home.

Preferred Team

I think this eleven has a great chance of getting a positive result this weekend. If we play with purpose and at a high tempo, we have the weapons to hurt them. What we can’t do is sit back in ‘awe’ of the champions and let them dictate the play.

Prediction

My prediction is a 1-1 draw but the key to getting a result is stopping the supply line’s to van Persie. If we can achieve that, we have a great chance.

Bring the noise on Sunday Gooners. A huge three points are at stake. Forget RVP and get behind the team. If you’ve got a season ticket and can’t attend, give it to a friend. If you haven’t got a ticket yet use one of those ticket touts who sell Premier League Tickets at four times face value. Do whatever it takes to get yourself to the game. Let’s make sure every seat is filled and be the 12th man. COYG!!!

What would be your team? Do you agree with the guard of honour? Will you boo RVP?

Arsenal XI

Fabianski, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Rosicky, Arteta, Ramsey, Cazorla, Gervinho, Giroud

Subs: Szczesny, Vermaelen, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski

Reading XI

Taylor, Kelly, Shorey, Mariappa, Pearce, Karacan, Leigertwood, Guthrie, Robson-Kanu, McAnuff, Pogrebnyak

Subs: McCarthy, Gunter, Morrison, Akpan, McCleary, Le Fondre, Hunt