WITH THEIR FAIR share of injuries and two players away on international duty at the AFCON, Arsenal could definitely do with signing a couple of reinforcements right about now.
Instead of reading about whose signature they are chasing however, the back pages feature a player who looks set to leave the north Londoners.
Russia captain Andrei Arshavin had a reputation as being one of the most exciting players in European football when he arrived at the club from Zenit St Petersburg for €14m in 2009.
Four goals against Liverpool at Anfield that April suggested he might live up to expectations but three years on, most Gunners fans would be happy to see the back of the 30-year-old.
Lazio are reportedly planning a €7m raid for Arshavin, who has 18 months left on his contract, while Zenit are interested in taking him back.
Surely then, Arsene Wenger will swallow his pride and splash some cash this month? It seems not.
And what makes the situation even stranger is that a target of his, Aly Cissokho, has confirmed that he is likely to leave Lyon – with Newcastle now the frontrunners to obtain his services.
Andy Johnson could soon be reforming a strike duo which was last seen at Everton four years ago as Steve Kean is attempting to link him up with Ayegbeni Yakubu again.
The Blackburn boss revealed today that they have made a bid for the player, while a loan move for Bordeaux’s Anthony Modeste is a possibility.
The Lancashire club received a transfer request from skipper Chris Samba earlier in the week and although they are determined not to sell the defender, his departure could also spell the end for centre-half partner Scott Dann.
When he signed from Birmigham City in the summer, Dann was given assurances that Samba would be staying long-term. Now he could seek a move away and Villa boss Alex McLeish is keeping an eye on developments.
Kenwyne Jones and Steven Fletcher will make a swap-deal if Stoke manager Tony Pulis has his way and Norwich have had a bid for Jonny Howson accepted by Leeds.
Kenny Dalglish has made a purchase in the shape of 19-year-old Joao Carlos from Sporting Lisbon while another teenager, Mumuni Abunakar, hopes to have impressed enough during a trial this month.
Finally, Chelsea have signed THREE brothers from Luton Town. Rio, Cole (both 12) and Jay (13) Dasilva move to the Pensioners in a deal which could reach €1.5m.
