Arsenal Transfer News: Done Deals, Offers Received and More

By (Featured Columnist) on July 1, 2011

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 22:  Arsene Wenger of Arsenal looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on May 22, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Clive Mason/Getty Images

Now that the summer transfer window has officially opened, rumours surrounding player movement will rise exponentially.

With Arsenal looking to end their six-year trophy drought, the Gunners will command significant media attention over the next few months. Manager Arsene Wenger has stated his desire to bolster the current squad.

The number of rumours linking star players with a move to the Emirates has drowned out the actual news regarding the Gunners. The transfer window has ushered in a period of great speculation regarding transfers and acquisitions.

Although the potential moves and rumoured signings create a buzz amongst the club and faithful supporters, it is essential to follow the facts.

Here is an update of the Arsenal transfer news, including done deals, offers and more.

Transfers

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In: Carl Jenkinson - £1 million

The English-born defender was the Gunners' first signing of the summer transfer window. The U-21 Finland international was acquired from League One side Charlton Athletic.

Jenkinson features predominantly at right-back, but he is comfortable playing in central defense as well. Standing at 6'1'', the new signing is good in the air. Although he is still in the early stages of development, the 19-year-old has the potential to be a regular first-team player in the future.

Out: None

Offers Received

MADRID, SPAIN - JULY 12:  Pepe Reina (L) and Carles Puyol (R) of the Spanish national football team put a FC Barcelona shirt on Cesc Fabregas during the Spanish team's parade following their victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup on July 12, 2010 in Madrid, S
Daniel Sastre Huertas/Getty Images

Cesc Fabregas - £27 million (Barcelona)

Gael Clichy - £7 million (Manchester City)

Although there have been serious rumours claiming Arsenal have received bids for the likes of Nicklas Bendtner and Samir Nasri, Wenger has only received a formal bid for Fabregas and Clichy.

The Danish striker and French playmaker have been linked with moves to different clubs, but Arsenal have yet to receive offers.

The Fabregas transfer saga has once again become the Gunners' biggest talking point during the summer. According to reports from multiple sources, Barcelona had a bid of £27 million rejected. Wenger and the Arsenal hierarchy believe the Spaniard should command a higher transfer fee.

Barcelona will have to improve their offer if they are to sign Fabregas, as the Gunners will be reluctant to sell their captain and best player.

Clichy has been trying to force his way out of the Emirates since the season ended. He was linked with Roma and PSG, but the Gunners have accepted a formal offer of £7 million. Once he passes a medical and agrees personal terms with City, the French left-back will be on his way to Eastlands.

Players' Quotes

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04:  Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on December 4, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Cesc Fabregas - "I'm calm and I am optimistic. If something happens, it is because it has to happen." - AS

Bacary Sagna - "I can say it's true that Cesc wants to go to Barca." - RMC Radio

Tomas Rosicky - "Before vacation I was speaking with coach Wenger, and he told me he counted on my services and that there was no intention of selling me." - iDNES.cz

Samir Nasri - "Do I want to go to Man United? Initially, we should see if it's real and if it is concrete." - TF1's Telefoot

The media has a tendency to manipulate players' statements in order to create great headlines. Although the quotes lifted above are only segments of full interviews, they provide key insight into Arsenal's summer plans.

Sagna's quote may not be new information, but his reiteration of Fabregas' desire to leave Arsenal hints towards the captain's impending exit.

Arsene Wenger Quotes: Transfer Policy

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 02:  Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates Stadium on April 2, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Julian Finney/Getty Images

Transfer Policy:

"We have shown that we have the technical quality to win the league but certainly not the defensive solidity to do it." - ESPNsoccernet

"We will spend the needed money, but you first have to find the right players and then turn up with the money. If we find the right players, we will spend the money." - ESPNsoccernet

"We need to improve the size of our squad. We need a bigger variety in the height of our players. We need to be more capable of fighting against some characteristics than we have been this season." - ESPNsoccernet

Arsenal's trophy drought has been revealed due to the team's defensive shortcomings and lack of experience. With pressure mounting at the Emirates, Wenger has stated improving the backline is a top priority.

The Frenchman wants to bring in proven EPL defenders in the mold of Blackburn's Christopher Samba and Bolton's Gary Cahill. Arsenal's weak defense has been one of the club's biggest weaknesses over the past few years.

Wenger has acknowledged that he must bring in top-quality defenders and spend the money needed to acquire such players.

Arsene Wenger Quotes: Player Movement

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 12:  Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger looks on ahead of the FA Cup sponsored by E.On Sixth Round match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on March 12, 2011 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Im
Clive Mason/Getty Images

Player Movement:

"Signing [Benzema] does not seem impossible. He’s a player that I like." - Daily Mail

"I will be pretty clear about this. For me, Fabregas is with Arsenal for a long time, and he will stay with Arsenal." - The Sun

"We will do everything to keep Nasri at the club. My wish is that he stays here." - The Sun

"Yes, I expect [Arshavin] to be at Arsenal next season." - ESPNsoccernet

After failing to cement a regular first-team place under Jose Mouriho, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema emerged as one of Arsenal's top summer targets. Although the ex-Lyon star would command a significant transfer fee, Wenger will be following his situation closely.

Fabregas has a good chance of returning to Barcelona this summer. While he might have the opportunity to finally land his dream move, it is clear that Wenger will do anything in his power to keep the player.

The Frenchman considers Fabregas to be amongst the best midfielders in the world and is determined to retain his services next year.

Although Nasri has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, Wenger wants the playmaker at the Emirates next season. Contract negotiations recently stalled, but both sides are still trying to agree on a new deal.

Nasri was sensational for the Gunners last year, and Wenger will be adamant on keeping the French midfielder.

Arshavin's poor season ignited rumours of a return to Russia. While he suffered a significant dip in form last year, the diminutive playmaker could still be an impact player on the bench. Wenger is a huge admirer of Arshavin and does not seem likely to sell the player during the transfer window.

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