Summer Transfers

Jens nears Stuttgart switch
Reports claim German will sign one-year contract

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is reportedly nearing a switch to Bundesliga side Stuttgart after meeting with club officials on Monday morning.

It is claimed that the 38-year-old held talks before flying to Mallorca with the Germany squad to begin their preparations for Euro 2008.

Lehmann, who joined Arsenal in 2003 from Borussia Dortmund, can leave The Gunners on a free transfer as his contract is set to expire this summer.

Stuttgart general manager Horst Heldt, however, has insisted that the club will not stretch its wage structure in order to seal Lehmann's signature.

"If he wants to earn as much as he did at Arsenal, then we have no chance," Heldt told Bild newspaper.

Stuttgart, who finished sixth in the Bundesliga, are thought to be offering a one-year contract, with an option for a second year.

SkySports wrote:

Nasri reveals Arsenal offer
Agent claims Frenchman is considering Gunners move

Arsenal have made an offer for Marseille's highly-rated playmaker Samir Nasri, according to the player's agent.

The 20-year-old Frenchman only recently signed a long-term deal with Marseille but he has been linked with a move to one of Europe's top clubs for some time.

It was reported earlier this week that Arsenal were closing in on Nasri and agent Jean-Pierre Bernes has now revealed that an offer is being considered.

Bernes has also claimed that other clubs are interested in Nasri, but he admits his client is very tempted by the Gunners.

"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," Bernes told southern French newspaper La Provence.

"But I have also received other offers."

Arsene Wenger has been promised funds to spend in the transfer market after Arsenal finished third in the Premier league this season.

Mathieu Flamini has already left to join Milan and Wenger is understood to be keen to bring in a number of new players quickly to strengthen his squad.

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

SkySports wrote:

Lehmann parting shot at Gunners
Stuttgart-bound goalkeeper admits Arsenal 'anger'

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has fired a parting shot at the Gunners after admitting his final season frustrations at Emirates Stadium.

Lehmann is set to join Stuttgart for the start of next season after his contract expires with Arsenal.

The German shot-stopper endured a disappointing end to his Arsenal career as he lost his place in Arsene Wenger's first XI to Manuel Almunia.

And Lehmann, who won the Premier League and FA Cup in his five years with the Gunners, has admitted his irritation at being forced to fill the substitutes' bench and at watching his team-mates miss out on silverware last term.

Wenger appeal

"I experienced a lot of disappointment and a kind of anger last season," Lehmann told L'Equipe.

"Being substitute annoys me, as did watching Arsenal waste all of their chances to win the title.

"Arsene Wenger knows I have not been happy with his decisions. But he knows I have learnt from him. I have always felt drawn towards him.

"Arsenal will remain a beautiful experience in my life. Both on a sporting and personal level, I reached the top there."

Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale has every confidence that Aaron Ramsey will make the correct decision over his future after the teenager held talks with the managers of Manchester United and Arsenal.

Premier League trio United, The Gunners and Everton have all had bids accepted for the highly-rated 17-year-old.

Ramsey has already held discussions with Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Everton officials.

And Ridsdale has confirmed the midfielder flew to Switzerland over the weekend to meet with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as he looks to decide on where his future lies next season.

Ridsdale said in the News of the World: "I spoke to Aaron on Friday night.

"He told me he'd had a great day at United and was on his way to see Arsene. After that, the final decision is up to the boy.

"Aaron spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson before visiting United. He's a sensible lad and will listen to what Arsene has to say."

DeJesus5 wrote:Really hope he joins United. He could be a great player for the future. Hope he makes the right decision.

DeJesus5 wrote:No doubt. If he joins Utd or Arsenal i'm sure he'll be loaned back out, more so if he joins United because we won't use him much whereas Wenger would probs find space for him somewhere.

DeJesus5 wrote:There was so much talk about that Merida kid, how is he doing?

DeJesus5 wrote:What bout the young porkchop in your u18's i think....Rui Fonte...he any good?

DeJesus5 wrote:Traore...OH MY!!

He could be immense....Well on FM he is quality!

Duzza wrote:Is Traore the guy who was arrested for trying to sneak a pair of knuckle dusters into white hart lane during the derby the season before last can't say he's not prepared to fight for his team

In-demand teenager Aaron Ramsey has told Cardiff City that he wants to join Arsenal.

Cardiff have accepted £5million bids from Arsenal and Premier League rivals Manchester United and Everton.

The winger has held talks with all three clubs and has now decided upon a move to Emirates Stadium, having flown out to Switzerland to meet Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

A statement on Cardiff's official website read: "Cardiff City were informed on Friday morning that Aaron Ramsey's preferred destination this summer is at Emirates Stadium with Arsenal.

"We will now continue the dialogue with the Gunners with a 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."

Reports have claimed that Cardiff boss Dave Jones, and chairman Peter Ridsdale, were keen for Ramsey to join United as the Premier League champions were willing to agree a loan deal for next season.

However, Arsenal have put up the most persuasive argument for Ramsey and will now try to finalise a deal with Cardiff.

The 17-year-old has become one of the hottest properties in British football after a promising second half to last season, which culminated in a substitute's appearance in the FA Cup Final against Portsmouth.