The Udinese defender Christian Zapata has confirmed that Arsenal have made enquiries into his availability, but sas that nothing concrete has been offered just yet.

Arsene Wenger admitted yesterday that he was still looking for one more central defender, and it seems that the German international Per Mertsacker is top of his wish list at the moment. But he must surely be asking about all possible alternatives just in case he can’t reach an agreement with Werder Bremen.

“I know that Juventus, Milan, Fiorentina, Villarreal and Arsenal have all made enquiries,” said Zapata.

“There are a number of clubs who are interested in signing me, but nobody has made a bid at this present time.

“If a good offer is made to Udinese then I think they will consider it, but the club are not in a position where they have to sell me this summer.”

With Sol Campbell also snubbing Arsenal to sign for Newcastle, Arsenal probably need two more centre-backs to cover for the usual injuries next season. The 23 year-old Zapata, at 6ft 2in, could be exactly what Arsenal need…..

Arsenal will this afternoon face A.C. Milan in their first Emirates Cup game which will also register the return to the Emirates of former Gunner Mathieu Flamini.

Having spent four years with the Gunners, the Frenchman’s career failed to improve after leaving the North London Club in the summer of 2008. Having failed to make an impact in Italy first under Carlo Ancelotti and then under Leonardo in the Serie A, the 26-year old was also not called for this summer’s 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.

Under new manager Massimiliano Allegri, Flamini will of course hope to enjoy more regular football, starting this afternoon when he will face his old team mates.

Speaking of his old club, the Frenchman said how it is a pleasure to return to London, adding how he has a lot of nice memories of his time spent with Arsenal. Flamini also revealed that he’s still in touch with some of his old team mates saying how facing them will be something “special”.

He said:

Quote:

It is always a pleasure to come back to this stadium. I spent a lot of good moments here and have a lot of memories here. I had four amazing years with Arsenal, great memories and I still have good friends in this team. I stay in contact with them so for me it is something special and I will enjoy it to the maximum.