Liverpool’s proposed move for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh collapsed last night paving the way for Arsenal to sign the Moroccan for free in the summer. The 26-year-old forward has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs including Tottenham, West Ham, Manchester United, Sunderland, Blackburn, Aston Villa and Everton, but it now appears Arsene Wenger will get the highly rated forward to sign a £60,000 a week deal to keep him at the Emirates for the next five years. (The Times)
Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has admitted he is tempted to join Barcelona in the summer because he would like to line-up with his compatriot Thierry Henry. The former Marseille winger has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City but appears to favour a move to La Liga. Real Madrid and Inter Milan have also coveted the France international. (The Guardian)
Arsenal have reportedly written to Barcelona demanding they stop their very public pursuit of Emirates talisman Cesc Fabregas. The La Liga giants regularly court Arsene Wenger’s best player and having seen the Gunners succumb to Manchester United and Chelsea they once again appeared to step up their efforts to sign the player. Fabregas has been linked with a £40 million move to Barcelona and their bitter rivals Real Madrid, and the Spaniard recently admitted he wants to play his football for his boyhood club before he retires. (Daily Mirror)
West Ham United’s new owners Davids Gold and Sullivan are reportedly lining up Mark Hughes as Gianfranco Zola’s replacement at Upton Park. Hughes was sacked by Manchester City recently and is looking for a swift return to football. (The Times)
In other reports the former Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers and Wales manager Mark Hughes is pondering a return to football with the Turkish national side. Ex-Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink is also vying for the position. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool are being coveted by the seventh-richest man in the world, Indian Mukesh Ambani, in a proposed takeover deal. The club’s beleaguered owners are looking for investment and Ambani could be about to launch a 51% takeover of the Anfield club. (The Times)
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is considering dropping his appeal against his four match ban in light of recent appointment to England captain. (Daily Express)