Arsenal are reportedly considering making a move for Everton’s highly sought after midfield starlet Jack Rodwell this summer. Arsene Wenger is keen on snapping up the England Under 21 international but may well find fellow Premier League title chasers Manchester United also looking to persuade the teenager to leave Goodison Park.

Whilst the Emirates outfit are more than capable of producing young prodigy’s of their own they are also not averse to bringing in young British talents who have come through the ranks such as Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey.

19 year old Rodwell has impressed since he first appeared for the Toffees at just 16 years of age. He has matured into a player more than able to cope with the top end of the Premier League and David Moyes will be worried that the youngster may have his head turned by interest shown by Champions League level clubs.

Everton will do all they can to avoid losing the £12m rated Southport lad, as they did when Man United came calling for Wayne Rooney, but they will have a great deal of difficulty preventing a raid on the club from any side deemed ‘bigger’ than the Merseyside outfit.

Apparently Wenger is looking to bring in a rash of players this summer with a large transfer warchest he is said to be about to be given in the hopes of ending their silverware drought, if indeed they don’t manage to overhaul both United and Chelsea for this seasons Premier League crown.

For some time now many have thought that the Gunners lack some bite in their midfield and even though the likes of Alex Song and Denilson have impressed this season it could be argued that the north London side need more steel to play alongside Cesc Fabregas. Whilst Rodwell offers skill as well as determination he may be a little raw at present but Wenger could well be looking to unlock his potential.

Arsene has also been linked with moves for defensive midfielders Yaya Toure and Felipe Melo but both those speculative rumours have persisted for the best part of 18 months and seem no nearer fruition than they were when they first emerged.

Dutch striker Robin van Persie might be in line for a surprise return against Tottenham on Wednesday.


According to an interview with club physio Colin Lewin on Arsenal's official website Arsenal.com, Robin van Persie might be in line for a return against Tottenham.

Lewin said: "Robin will be joining the squad for full training imminently. That is a big boost for the club and will give everyone a big lift."

It was expected that the Dutch striker would not feature in this season anymore after seriously damaging his ankle ligaments in an international friendly with Italy in November.

A possible return against Tottenham would be a huge boost to Arsenal's title challenge. Arsenal are almost certainly going to have to win their five remaining games, while the squad is coping with a number of injuries to key players.

Robin van Persie has been in good shape before suffering the injury in November, scoring eight goals in 15 appearances for The Gunners this season.

William Gallas has been tapped up by his old Chavski gaffer, Claudio Ranieri, and looks certain to move to Roma this summer.

Arsenal cannot match the 3 year deal he will sign with the Italian club once the domestic season is over.

The rumours you read about recently?  That X Factor singer at Theo’s party?  Was Gallas not Cesc he spoke of.

AS Roma have made a spirited challenge for the Scudetto this season and may still pip Mourinho’s Inter to first place, winning the title for the first time since 2001.

They are certainties to be playing Champions League football in 2010/2011.

To be fair, Gallas has been outstanding this season, a real phoenix from the flames, a tremendous asset to our back line… considering he was Arsenal Public Enemy No 1 just 18 or so months previous, he has shown wonderful character to fight back to his best form.

However, a move to Roma could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for us.

In Thomas Vermalen we have a young, gritty, determined defender who has far surpassed all our expectations.

He is going to be a mainstay in the heart of our defence for maybe the next decade,  he will become a cult figure at the club for many moons to come. No doubt.

Problem is, no matter how hard he tries, sweats blood and tears, drinks 10 pints of milk a day… he has gone way past the growing age, and is stuck with his height.

We need a 6ft 4 block of granite alongside him.

Gallas moving on to pastures new will open up the realms of possibilty for another big money (we did pay 10M for TV5)  defensive signing.

Djourou is another big lad who could get his chance next season, crying shame he got injured so early on in this term.

So who is on the Wenger shortlist?

Nevan Subotic, Mamadou Sakho,  Brede Hangeland and many others have been touted.

Will Wenger pay big money for another defender?