The biggest Arsenal transfer rumour today was that Arsene Wenger was in touch with Sevilla to persuade them to part with the French international centre-back, Sebastien Squillaci.

Well today Sevilla have confirmed the rumours, and also agreed that Squillaci missed the Champions League Qualifier just in case the deal went through. BUT, as seems to be the case every time Arsenal are chasing a player, Arsene Wenger is trying to get the asking price reduced!

Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez said: “The player asked not to play because of the offer from such a big team but, for the moment, we believe the offer is insufficient and Squillaci is still a Sevilla player,”

According to Sky, Squillaci is valued at around 8 million euros (about £7m). Surely it is worth that price to get an urgently needed central defender?

Just pay the man Wenger, and get Squillaci in the squad for Saturday!

1. Sebastian celebrated his 30th birthday eight days ago on the 11th August

2. He was born in Toulon, France and has represented his country 21 times. He played in France’s defeat to South Africa in the recent World Cup.

3. He is only 6ft (1.83 m)

4. All his clubs bar the current one, Seville, have been in the French leagues. Toulon, Monaco B, Monaco, Ajjacio, Lyon

5. He has played 49 times for Sevilla scoring one goal

6. He played for Monaco in the Champions League final against Mourinho’s Porto losing 3-0

7. He won the French League championship twice with Lyon in 2007 and 2008

8. His goal scoring record is not that great. Played 372 games in total and scored 23 goals

8. Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez 'Monchi' confirmed: "The player asked not to play (against Braga in the CL qualifying game) because of the offer from such a big team” to ensure he won't be cup-tied in the competition for Arsenal.

9. Squillaci is said to support the eboue cause as he is a rastafarian eboue follower.

Armand Traore's agent says Benfica are closing in on a deal to sign the Arsenal defender in a deal worth just over £3million.


The 20-year-old has struggled to force his way into Arsene Wenger's first-team plans and has been told he can leave if the right offer comes in for him.
The Frenchman is behind Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs in the left-back pecking order at the Emirates and now his agent, Richard des Voeux, has told reporters in Portugal a switch to Benfica is close.
"A number of European clubs were interested in Armand but the Benfica option is more important in many aspects," he said.
"The interest is real and we are at a sensitive stage (of negotiations). Armand is aware of contacts between Benfica and Arsenal."
He added: "Benfica are a wonderful club that would interest any player. Obviously, Armand is very interested and excited about the possibility of coming to play at Benfica.
"Nothing is finalised, but things can be decided very soon."

Fulham have rejected a second bid from Arsenal for their Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, according to reports.

Arsenal have publicly expressed an interest in signing Schwarzer this summer and the goalkeeper has gone as far as submitting a transfer request at Craven Cottage.

However, Mark Hughes is reluctant to sell Schwarzer, 37, and it has emerged that Arsenal have seen a second offer of £2 million for the goalkeeper turned down by their London counterparts.

Manuel Almunia captained Arsenal in their opening game of the season against Liverpool but he attracted criticism for failing to prevent a shot from David Ngog beating him at his near post.

Striker Jay Simpson has today signed for Championship side Hull City, ending his long relationship with the Gunners having joined its Academy aged nine.

Jay (21), made three first-team appearances for Arsenal scoring two goals, both in the 2008/09 Carling Cup competition. He also has the honour of being the first player to score a hat-trick at Emirates Stadium in the 2007 FA Youth Cup against Cardiff City.

A popular face around Arsenal, Jay gained invaluable experience out on loan over the past three seasons. Last term he impressed at QPR with eight goals in his first 15 games. In 2007/08, Jay spent the campaign with Millwall and performed superbly to be awarded the League One 'Player of the Year' accolade. The striker also had a spell at West Bromwich Albion during the 2008/09 season.

Has William Gallas become a new hate figure for edging close to a Spurs move or will you forgive his decision?

The news of the moment is that former Arsenal captain William Gallas will be making his second ship-jumping across London soon.

The 33-year-old will have a medical at White Hart Lane on Friday to complete his transfer to Tottenham.

After refusing to renew his Arsenal contract because of wage demands, Gallas will end his free agency by staying in the Premier League with the Gunners’ fiercest rivals.

So how will you welcome the Frenchman should he return in white for November 21′s North London derby? Will it be a hostile welcome for his controversial switch or a warm one for his time as a Gunner.