Арсен Венгер планирует изучить данные о физическом состоянии Сеска Фабрегаса перед тем, как принять решение о его поездке в тренировочный лагерь клуба, который будет организован в Германии в конце этой недели.

Фабрегас пропустил турне по Азии из-за проблем с здоровьем, и ему лишь только предстоит начать тренироваться в полную силу. Но тренер выразил надежду, что испанец будет в состоянии присоединиться к остальной команде к матчу против «Кельна», который состоится в пятницу.

«Нам нужно оценить степень повреждения. Если все нормально, то он отправится в тренировочный лагерь», - сказал Венгер.

«Он еще не приступил к полноценным тренировкам. Сейчас он совершает пробежки, и полноценные тренировки станут для него следующим шагом».

Слухи о возможном уходе Фабрегаса в «Барселону» пока и остаются слухами, но Венгер в очередной раз заявил о намерении оставить испанца в «Арсенале».

«Моя цель остается прежней: мы должны сохранить игроков, и будем за это бороться. Проблема в том, что слухи нас преследуют постоянно», - сказал он. 

Benik Afobe has been withdrawn from the Arsenal Reserve squad due to play Hastings United tonight. The 18-year-old is now poised to be included in the first-team for their clash with FC Cologne this weekend.

Afobe has been given the chance to impress after the club pulled him out of the England Under-20 squad last week. The news comes after Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell saw his transfer collapse, with Benik hoping to prove to Arsène Wenger that he doesn’t need the Sparissa youngster.

Arsenal appear to have failed in their bid to sign Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell.

Arsenal had been expected to tie up a £900,000 deal for Campbell, who plays for Deportivo Saprissa, but it is thought a rival club has offered superior terms.

Saprissa president Juan Carlos Rojas told La Nacion newspaper: "It is a disappointment for football, for Saprissa and for me that they have decided not to take up an offer from as serious and first-class people as Arsenal. I hope it works out for Joel.

"I assume his father thinks that things will get better and that's why he made this decision, but hey, there's always a risk. It's a shame that Costa Rican football could not have a player at Arsenal at this time."

However, his father, Humberto Campbell, claims a decision is yet to be made.

"We already decided not to sign anything yet," he said. "We are going to wait until the Under-20 World Cup finishes, so that Joel can go and play with calm and without pressure, then we will see what happens."

Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson believes that it is time to let captain Cesc Fabregas return to Spain.

Speaking to talkSport, the Arsenal legend believes that the Spaniard's possible move to the La Liga giants, has disrupted the Gunner's pre-season preparations long enough, and wants manager Arsene Wenger to sell and move on.

Robson said: "It happened with Thierry Henry for two or three years. [Arsene Wenger] kept on saying we're not going to sell him but it was obvious Thierry Henry wanted to go.

"That was a distraction not just for Arsene Wenger but for the whole football club.

"Everybody at Arsenal knows that Cesc Fabregas is going to go and the sooner he goes the better as far as I'm concerned. Not because he is a bad player, not because he is a bad character but because it will put an end to the speculation.

"Then Arsene Wenger can go and buy a replacement or he can give Samir Nasri more money to keep him and buy two centre-halves. The sale of Cesc Fabregas is key to Arsenal's summer signings."

Barcelona were rebuffed by Arsenal in their pursuit of Fabregas 12 months but are hoping to persuade the Gunners to part with their influential skipper this summer, with manager Pep Guardiola recently quoted as saying: "We were interested last year, but Arsenal did not put him on the market. This year they`ve agreed to negotiate and we will try to reach an agreement."

Pedro Botelho is expected to join La Liga new comers Rayo Vallecano on loan in the next 24 hours.

The Brazilian had been hoping for a chance to break into the Arsenal first-team, following four successive loan spells in the Spanish Segunda. The latest, a season spent with FC Cartagena, was his best yet. Pedro turned himself into a hero in Murcia, scoring four goals in 39 appearances.

However, despite that impressive form, Arsène Wenger told the 21-year-old he would not be given a chance at Arsenal until he’d played in La Liga. A deal appeared close to join former manager Juan Ignacio Martínez at Levante, but that fell through last week.

Pedro has now arrived in Spain to begin his season long loan move, in the hope that its his last spell away from the Gunners.

Arsenal are to do what Arsene Wenger has promised, and fight as hard as possible to keep the best players at the club, by offering Samir Nasri a new deal worth £6 million per year, according to the Star.

24 year-old Nasri, who has refused to sign several previous contract offers made by Arsenal, has been the subject of interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City. Apparently, City offered Nasri an £160,000 per week deal, double what Arsenal were thought to have originally offered Nasri back when this whole contract saga began.

The Arsenal board are now prepared to meet with Nasri's representatives according to the paper, to negotiate further with a £115,000 per week deal said to be Arsenal's new, improved offer. Arsenal are determined to keep Nasri at the club amid a stronger interest from Manchester City, who are said to have offered in excess of £20 million for the Arsenal midfielder.

They will also be hoping to avoid letting him go for free next season when his contract expires, especially now that Barcelona have confirmed they are in talks to sign Cesc Fabregas. Wenger will apparently tell Nasri that he will be made Arsenal's main central midfielder to mould the side around next season if Fabregas goes, in the hope that this will convince him to stay.

Robin van Persie is also set  to be offered a new contract - an improved one from his current £70,000 a week, even though he has a contract that runs until 2014.

Arsenal’s Reserve and Youth players continued their pre-season preparations with a 9-0 win over Hastings United this evening. A Jay Emmanuel-Thomas hat-trick, a brace from Luke Freeman and one each from Chuks Aneke, Oguzhan Ozyakup, Jernade Meade and Sanchez Watt sealed a comfortable win.

Banfield made four changes from the side that beat Woking 3-0 last week, with Shea, Hajrovic, Meade and Afobe all dropping out. There were first starts at this level for Charles-Cook and Galindo, while Yennaris and Freeman also came in.

ARSENAL: Charles-Cook; Yennaris, Bartley, Boateng, Henderson; Aneke, Özyakup, Galindo; JET, Watt, Freeman.

Arsenal started brightly against the Isthmian Division outfit, and could have taken the lead with just five minutes on the clock, when Freeman found Aneke in space, but the 18-year-old could only shoot at the ‘keeper.

The gulf in class was obvious right from the off, and when Freeman combined with Özyakup, Arsenal had their lead, and wouldn’t look back. Emmanuel-Thomas then wasted two superb chances after some quick foot work, before lashing a 35 yard effort miles over. However, he would make up for it in the closing stages of the half.

An excellent dribble around the Hasting’s defence allowed him to walk in goal number two. Jay got himself a second shortly after, with a well hit drive. 3-0 and total control.

Aneke should have made it four straight from the kick off, but his chip went over the bar. Yet the prospect would finish the half with a goal, when he lashed home in style.

Banfield switched things around at half time, bringing on Rhys Murphy for Boateng. The changes threatened to disrupt the flow, but Arsenal kicked on in their search for more goals.

Murphy hit the post, then Hastings thought they’d denied Emmanuel-Thomas a hat-trick with a brilliant last ditch tackle. However, the leggy forward would grab his third shortly after, smashing home an effort from the edge of the box. A truly superb effort.

There was no time to celebrate the goal, as Arsenal continued their hunt for more. They didn’t have to wait long, as Banfield’s boys grabbed two more in quick succession. First, Watt grabbed number six following a spilled Meade shot, then Özyakup unlocked the Hastings back four for Freeman. He made it seven with ease.

Second half sub Meade got goal number eight from Henderson’s corner, before Hastings almost embarrassed Charles-Cook on his debut. The rookie stopper managed to scramble the ball away, having had little to do all game. The ball was soon back up the other end, and was soon back in the Hastings net. Freeman with his brace. 9-0.

Despite a real desire to grab the 10th, it finished 9-0. All in all, an enjoyable work out.

ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN has been hailed as the country's most exciting 17-year-old.

So it is no surprise the youngster is more than keen to show Premier League audiences what he can do.

Arsenal have tried to sign the Southampton flyer but had a bid of £8million, with £4m of add-ons, knocked back.

Attempts to restart negotiations have hit a brick wall.

Now Oxlade-Chamberlain, who played a key part in Saints winning promotion from League One last season, has opened his heart about why he feels the time is right to move on.

In his first major interview, the son of former England winger Mark Chamberlain admitted he is eager to test himself against the best.

He is not daunted by the prospect and feels ready for the challenge.

Oxlade-Chamberlain said: "I've heard Arsenal are in for me and to join a top-four club is what I hope for.

"When the bus comes along, you have to jump on it and make the most of your opportunities.

"It's not every day you get a chance like that. I believe in my own ability and that I have what it takes to play in the Premier League."

This is a likeable lad with a wise head on tender shoulders.

He recognises how Saints have played a major part in his development and is grateful for it. But the lure of the big-time is a strong one.

The teenager added: "I've had a chat with the manager, Nigel Adkins, about my situation and expressed my feelings to him.

"I talked about how I wanted to be playing in the Premier League as quickly as possible and he has been really understanding.

"I've been at Southampton since I was seven and enjoyed every minute of it. They've brought me up in a really good way.

"The fans and the manager have been great and the club have made me what I am today.

"But I feel it's time for the next step. The way I see it, the Premier League is where I aspire to play.

"You aren't at the top of the game until you get there.

"I could spend a year in the Championship and, though this might sound negative, I could get injured and that opportunity might be lost.

"The next year another young star could come through and the opening might not come around again."

Southampton have a reputation for producing quality youngsters and selling them on for big bucks at an early age.

Theo Walcott was only 16 when he moved to the Gunners for a fee which eventually reached £12m.

Gareth Bale was 17 when flogged to Tottenham for an initial £5m, which rose to £7m.

Inevitably, Oxlade-Chamberlain will be compared to that pair.

He declared: "I guess seeing what has happened with Theo and Gareth inspires me.

"Although they didn't jump straight into the first team when they moved, they've pushed on to better things. So I take confidence from that.

"Obviously you are going to be a bit apprehensive going into the Premier League. But you have to take risks.

"If you step up and it doesn't work out, you have to hold your hands up. But if you believe in yourself and you're willing to work, which I am, there's endless amounts you can achieve.

"My team-mates understand my position. And I'm sure if they had this chance they wouldn't turn it down.



"It's the same with anyone in any line of work. If you can better yourself, it's silly not to want to move on and do it."

Dad Mark has gone on record as saying Arsenal would suit his boy down to the ground but is not pushing him. Alex insists he makes his own decisions.

He said: "Of course I talk to dad about it. He's probably the biggest influence on my career so far and I trust him and listen to him a lot.

"He gives me advice but knows it's my decision and doesn't force me into anything.

"For any boy who plays football, there's only one place to play and that's at the top. Until you get there, you're always striving for it.

"Then once you're there, you want to win titles, play for England and become a top professional."

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admitted he will prioritise signing Udinese forward Alexis Sanchez over bringing Cesc Fabregas back to the Nou Camp.

But Guardiola revealed he had been told the money was available to complete both transfers and claimed Arsenal have agreed to negotiate the sale of Fabregas to the European champions.

"The priority is a striker, as we have more players in midfield than up front," Guardiola, speaking at a press conference, was quoted as saying on the Barcelona website.

"There are midfielders in the B team that can help us out. Everything costs money, but it's a striker we need.

"As (sporting director) Andoni (Zubizarreta) has told me, there is enough money to sign them (Sanchez and Fabregas) both, and we'll be trying to do that."

Zubizarreta certainly expects a deal for Chile winger Sanchez, who has also been linked with Chelsea, Manchester City and Inter Milan, to be concluded soon.

"All three parties have worked hard and we understand that the negotiations are coming to an end," said Zubizarreta, whose club are selling Bojan Krkic to Roma.

"Some endings are long-winded, but we hope that it is a happy one".

Barca were rebuffed by Arsenal in their pursuit of Fabregas 12 months ago but are hoping to persuade the Gunners to part with their influential skipper, who moved to London from Barcelona as a 16-year-old, this summer.

Guardiola said: "We were interested last year, but Arsenal did not put him on the market. This year they've agreed to negotiate and we will try to reach an agreement.

"You all know about Barca's interest in Cesc. There is money set aside for this player and until the last day we will try to bring in Cesc because he will make the squad better. I hope that something can be sorted. Until August 31 there is time, but at times things don't always work out."

Guardiola also spoke out against the possibility of Fabregas, who missed Arsenal's Asia tour to nurse a troublesome hamstring, forcing his exit from the Gunners, saying: "I think that Cesc has to do what Arsenal ask. For me I wouldn't like one of my players to say 'now I'm not training because I want to go'."

Zubizarreta added about the Primera Division champions' interest in Fabregas: "The position towards Arsenal is one of maximum respect because the club own the player. Also towards the player.

"From there, our position is to try and see eye to eye (on a deal), creating proposals that may be of interest, while always maintaining the maximum respect. We don't have a style of doing things by force."