Premier League preview: Manchester City v Arsenal

Lukas Podolski will hope he can continue his bright start with Arsenal when they travel to reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday.

 The English Premier League clash pits one of the best attacking sides in the competition (Manchester City) against the best defensive outfit (Arsenal) but it is up the other end where the game could be decided.

 Podolski, who has scored three goals in as many games, could be key for the visitors.

 The 27-year-old German forward scored Arsenal's first league goal of the season in their 2-0 triumph over Liverpool before getting involved in the 6-1 thrashing of Southampton and starting the London club's comeback in their 2-1 Champions League victory against Montpellier on Tuesday.

 Podolski has arguably been Arsenal's buy of the European transfer window and will hope to take advantage of Manchester City's porous defence at Etihad Stadium.

 The reigning champions have already let in six goals in four league games this season and conceded three times in 17 minutes to lose 3-2 to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

 Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini reportedly chased central defenders Daniel Agger (Liverpool) and Victor Ruiz (Espanyol) during the latest transfer window in a quest to find a decent partner for captain Vincent Kompany and that failure looks to have cost the club so far.

 Neither Joleon Lescott nor Matija Nastasic seem consistent enough, while Mancini does not appear interested in playing Kolo Toure again.

 With Arsenal having scored 10 goals in their past three games, Arsene Wenger's side are surely excited at the prospect of taking on Manchester City's misfiring defence.

 Wenger must still do without Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski, Marouane Chamakh, Bakari Sagna, Thomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshire and Emmanuel Frimpong against City, as all seven are injured, but Arsenal's manager must be thrilled with how his team is playing.

 Arsenal's new assistant coach Steve Bould has done a great job as defensive coordinator, while Abou Diaby, Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla have quickly come together as a formidable midfield trio.

 Mancini will be sweating on the fitness of French midfielder Samir Nasri, who injured his hamstring in Madrid, while full-back Micah Richards remains on City's injury list.

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Liverpool beat Arsenal to sign Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin on a season long loan

The Reds offered to pay a larger proportion of the 23-year-old's £115,000 a week wages, swinging the deal in their favour.

 Sahin, who has 31 caps for Turkey, will undergo a medical ahead of the match against Manchester City on Sunday. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is now considering a number of other targets.

 Sahin had been expected to join Arsenal, having privately expressed a preference for the north London club.But the deal stalled when Real and Arsenal could not agree a £14m option to buy the player at the end of the loan.

 Liverpool and Real then agreed a deal, with Sahin's agent meeting Liverpool officials earlier in the week to agree terms.

 Real boss Jose Mourinho had given the go ahead for Sahin to move to the Premier League after the playmaker struggled to make an impression at the Bernabeu since a move from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund last summer.

 Sahin signed a six-year deal with the La Liga outfit but made just 11 appearances for them last season as they won the Spanish league title.

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(Image) Alex Song Arrives at Barcelona to Complete Deal to Sign for Nou Camp Giants

Song to barca a done deal

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Rennes Confirm Yann M’Vila Is In Talks to Sign for Tottenham and Not Arsenal

Ligue 1 outfit Rennes have confirmed that midfielder Yann M’Vila is closing in on a move to Tottenham – despite interest from Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal.

 Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has long admired M’Vila and was understood to be close to signing the 22-year-old in June.

 But the youngster’s poor disciplinary record – highligted when he clashed with French teammates at Euro 2012 – was thought to have put Wenger off a deal.

 Alex Song’s imminent departure for Barcelona has led to speculation that Wenger is set to return with a fresh bid for M’Vila but Rennes have confirmed they are in advanced negotiations with Tottenham.

 “Yes, we are dealing with Tottenham, the offer is still a bit low, but we are confident,” a spokesperson for the French club told Italian website Calciomercato. It is understood that the clubs are still someway apart in their valuation of the combative midfielder, with Rennes holding out £17m.

 The news comes just days after Spurs head-coach Andre Villas-Boas ruled out a move for M’Vila, telling reporters: “[M'Vila] is an interesting player but I don’t think he will join Tottenham.

 “The player is a player of defensive characteristics. We had initial interest in M’Vila but we have moved on from that one and are now looking for a more creative player.”

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Arsenal close to signing Song's replacement

Arsenal are close to completing the loan signing of Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.

 The 23-year-old, who has also been targeted by Liverpool this summer, is set to join on a season-long basis with a view to a permanent move.

 His arrival should be confirmed early next week as Arsenal look to replace Alex Song, who is on the verge of a £15m transfer to Barcelona.

 Turkey international Sahin made 11 appearances for Real last season. He joined the Spanish giants from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year contract in May 2011 but has struggled to establish himself at the Bernabeu.

 Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who worked under Real coach Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, was hopeful of pushing through a deal for Sahin last week.

 Real Madrid's former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has also attempted to persuade Sahin to move to Anfield.

 But Sahin is set to join Arsenal, who started the season with a goalless draw against Sunderland on Saturday.

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Wenger: Song could leave

 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that Alex Song could be the next player to leave the club, with Barcelona set to seal a move for him.

 Wenger was unusually open about the possibility of further exits from the Emirates Stadium after Robin van Persie moved closer to completing a £24 million transfer to Manchester United.

 Pressed on the subject ahead of Saturday's season opener, Wenger replied: "Both could happen, but my focus is on the Sunderland game.

 This decision (on Song) is not made." Asked if the Gunners had received a bid, he replied: "No. I cannot tell you more." Wenger suggested he would be open to a sale, given the number of players at his disposal.

 "Midfield is a different area because we have nine or ten midfielders of top-class quality," he said. "Just today we have six or seven midfielders available, plus Wilshere and Frimpong who are coming back.

 Diaby is available again, Arteta, Cazorla, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain now plays central midfield - this is an area we have much more freedom to make decisions." El Mundo Deportivo believes Arsenal are holding out for €25 million for Song, but Barcelona are only willing to offer €20 million.

 Even so, Adriano this week became the latest Barca player to speak positively about the prospect of his arrival. "He is a very good player," Adriano said. "In our matches against them you could see he is a footballer with a lot of quality.

 He would be welcome here and well received." Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin has been linked as a replacement for Song, and the Arsenal boss said he was considering his options.

 "He [Sahin] is one of the players we are following," Wenger said. "Anyway, I am happy with my midfield options whatever happens with Song.

 In fact, I feel we are better prepared this season than we have been for some time. We have so many options and even though we are all disappointed to lose Van Persie, the squad we have is strong in every department."

 Meanwhile, Thomas Vermaelen was appointed as the new Arsenal captain with Mikel Arteta handed the vice-captaincy. "It is Vermaelen and Arteta," Wenger said.

 "Vermaelen was vice-captain, so it is a quick decision. I think we have many potential captains in the squad, but at the moment it will be like that."

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Arsenal's Miyaichi joins Wigan on loan as Moses edges towards the exit

Wigan have signed Arsenal's Ryo Miyaichi on a loan deal. The Japan international is still learning his trade having only featured in fits and bursts during pre-season.

 Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes a year playing regularly in the Premier League will make him ready for the first-team at Emirates Stadium.

 Miyaichi, a capture from his homeland in 2010, has had spells with Feyenoord and Bolton.

 The move is likely to hasten the departure of Victor Moses who has been subject of a rejected bid by Chelsea.

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Song admits Barcelona interest

Alex Song has indicated that Barcelona have shown interest in him but denied that he wants to leave Arsenal for the Spanish giants.

 Speculation has been growing after reports in Spain claimed Barca made a £11.7 million bid for the 24-year-old. Zenit St Petersburg are allegedly among other interested clubs.

 Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta have both spoken out to express their delight at the links with the Cameroon international, in similar style to 'tapping up' claims preceding former Gunner Cesc Fabregas' move to Catalunya last summer.

 The defensive midfielder, who has grown into a vital part of Arsene Wenger's team, has admitted the interest from "the best team in the world" but moved to strongly dismiss any suggestions that he is ready to leave the Emirates.

 "I am not going to lie if I said there is no interest but I am at Arsenal and I am happy at Arsenal," he told reporters.

 "Barcelona are the best team in the world, and speculation will always continue until the window closes."

 Song, who moved to north London from SC Bastia for a fee of £1m in 2006, has two years remaining on his current contract with Arsenal, although reports suggest he is open to extending his deal.

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Manchester United confirm new Robin van Persie bid

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United have launched a fresh bid to sign Robin van Persie, and insists he’s prepared to fight to land the Arsenal captain.

 After seeing his side lose a penalty shoot-out to Barcelona following a 0-0 pre-season draw, Fergie officially acknowledged United’s interest in the Dutch striker, but revealed he has so far been stonewalled by the Gunners board.

 ‘We've made a bid,’ Ferguson said. ‘They've been trying to negotiate with other clubs. We have to persevere. Hopefully it comes our way.

 ‘We're trying our best but there's no progress at this moment in time. ‘We're not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal.

 It's difficult to say why they're operating this way. I don't know what their thoughts are because they're not giving anything away.’

 United have struggled for goals during pre-season, and Fergie is clearly aware of the need for fresh firepower, especially after losing Brazilian target Lucas Moura to Paris Saint-Germain.

 But the Red Devils manager insists he was never going to be dragged into a crazy bidding war with the French giants over an unproven youngster.

 ‘I find it quite amazing that a club can pay €45million for a 19-year-old boy,’ he added.

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Official : Cazorla signs for Arsenal

Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla has signed for Arsenal and joined up with the pre-season training camp in Germany after completing a £15 million move from Malaga.

 The Spanish club's financial problems initially delayed the deal being finalised but he is now on course to make his Arsenal debut in Sunday's friendly against Cologne after the announcement was made.

 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "Santi Cazorla is a great signing for us. He is a player with good experience at both club and international level, who will add significant quality to our squad.

 "He is a versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally. He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset to Arsenal Football Club.

 We are delighted that he is joining us."

 Cazorla, who was voted Spanish Player of the Year in 2007, said: "I'm so happy to be joining Arsenal. This is a club with great players, a fantastic stadium and huge support.

 The club has one of the best managers in football and their style of play is recognised and admired all over the world."

 Seven years have passed since Arsenal lifted any silverware, but Cazorla believes fortunes will change following a flurry of transfer activity in north London that has seen Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud join the club. "There's a very good squad here and we want to fight for titles and win titles,'' Cazorla said.

 "The club has made a big step to sign players to have a better team and meet the expectations of the fans. I'm very happy to be here, Arsenal are a huge club.

 I hope to win trophies here, that is what I want.''

 Cazorla joined Malaga just 12 months ago for €19 million, and the playmaker's performances in guiding the club to fourth spot in La Liga and a Champions League qualifying position should have increased his value even further.

 However, last week Malaga released a statement via the club website claiming that a period of "internal financial restructuring" was required to meet UEFA's incoming Financial Fair Play regulations, meaning Cazorla is available at a cut-price.

 Cazorla could soon be joined at the Emirates by another La Liga-based midfielder, with Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin seemingly set to arrive on loan for the 2012-13 season. Jose Mourinho has said the Turkey international is free to leave the Bernabeu.

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RVP joins Arsenal for pre-season

Robin van Persie has flown out to Germany with Arsenal for the club's pre-season friendly against Cologne as speculation mounts that he will stay at Emirates Stadium.

 Van Persie, 29, is wanted by Juventus and both Manchester clubs, but none of the trio have yet offered anything like the fee Arsenal are demanding before they would consider selling their striker.

 Arsenal have made it clear they will keep the Dutchman for the final year of his current contract unless they are paid £25 million, but the interested clubs do not want to stump up a big fee on top of his reported wage demands of £190,000 a week, and there is a growing belief that he could now stay in North London.

 Van Persie challenged Arsene Wenger and the club last month when he issued a statement explaining why he wanted to leave the Emirates, claiming Arsenal lacked ambition.

 Wenger has certainly tried to meet that challenge with a series of big-name signings including highly rated Spanish international forward Santi Cazorla, who is also reported to have flown to Germany as part of the Arsenal squad even though his £16.5 million transfer has yet to be officially completed.

 Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud have also arrived and are part of the 24-man squad that travelled to Germany on Monday.

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Arsenal set to confirm Santi Cazorla deal

Arsenal are set to confirm the signing of Malaga midfielder Santi Carzola after he passed a medical and joined the club at their pre-season training camp in Germany.

 The 27-year-old Spain international will sign a long-term contract for a fee below £15m.

 Malaga's financial problems delayed the move, but it is likely to be announced Today. Arsenal are also working on a loan deal for 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.

 They hope to add the Turkey international to a squad already boosted by the arrivals of Germany forward Lukas Podolski and France striker Olivier Giroud from Montpellier.

 Doubts remain over the future of captain Robin van Persie, who has said he will not extend his current contract when it expires in 2013.

 But the Dutch striker is with the squad in Germany ahead of Sunday's friendly against Cologne on, which was agreed as part of the Podolski transfer.

 The Cazorla and Sahin deals are unrelated to Van Persie, but were accelerated by news that Jack Wilshere will not play before October as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

 Cazorla, who joined Malaga from Villarreal last summer, stands at 5ft 6ins and featured for Spain at the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

 Real Madrid signed Sahin from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year contract in May 2011 but he has struggled to establish himself at the Bernabeu and Real boss Jose Mourinho would let him leave on loan.

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Arsenal Set to Pounce as Barcelona Snub Young Talent Cristian Tello

Arsenal target Cristian Tello could be on the verge of leaving Barcelona after being snubbed by new manager Tito Vilanova.

 The youngster looked set to be the latest star to emerge from La Masia, Barca’s famously successful youth academy, under previous manager Pep Guardiola but he has not been given a shirt number in the 25-man squad for the coming campaign.

 Atletico Madrid have also aired an interest in taking the 20-year-old on loan if Barca would prefer a temporary deal.

 A number of lesser known Barca starlets have been named in the list for La Liga players which adds gravitas to the idea that the former Espanyol man could be about leave the Catalan club.

 It’s fairly surprising that new Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova would opt to not hand Cristian Tello a squad number given the mature effective displays he put in last term.

 The 20 year old did not look out of place when called upon in both La Liga and Champions League action and if indeed the lack of a place in the Nou Camp 25 man squad is a sign of the Catalan club’s lack of interest in the Spanish Under 21 international then Arsenal would do well to register their interest.

 As this source points out, Tello is a player on Arsene Wenger’s radar and just the type of young unpolished talent the Gunners boss revels in honing into a household name.

 Arsene Wenger has signaled a change in attitude when it comes to transfer market behaviour this summer, opting to sign established and experienced talents like Lukas Podolski, but the Arsenal boss would do well to revert to type and put in an offer for the adaptable attacker.

 Last term Tello netted seven goals in 22 appearances, of which only five were starts, and he has certainly shown that there is potential to grow, just the type of potential Wenger is well known for making the most of.

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United in the box seat for Van Persie after City boss Mancini concedes defeat in striker race

Roberto Mancini has admitted defeat in his pursuit of Arsenal's Robin van Persie.

 The Italian has been desperate to bring the striker to the Etihad but have faced stiff competition from Manchester United and Serie A giants Juventus.

 And after it emerged that Sir Alex Ferguson had stayed in Britain while his team were in Norway in a bid to force through a £20million deal for the Dutchman, Mancini has revealed his club are no longer in the race.

 When asked about the Gunners star, the City boss said: 'Van Persie? No, I don't think he will come here.'

 United now expect to get the coveted signature of last season's Premier League top goalscorer by the time the new campaign kicks off on August 19.

 The club also expect to add young Brazilian Lucas Moura to their ranks in the coming days. Meanwhile, after the failed attempt to lure Van Persie to the Premier League champions, Mancini expects Edin Dzeko to remain.

 The Bosnian has failed to live up to the £27million City paid Woflsburg for him 18 months ago, and is wanted by several top clubs around Europe.

 However, responding to speculation about Juve and AC Milan's interest in the forward, Mancini added on Italian television: 'I'm pleased, as this means we have good players, but it’s pretty unlikely he will leave.'

 Speaking to German media this week, Dzeko hit out at his lack of playing time - he started just 16 league games last season - and suggested he would be ready to leave for the right club.

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Cazorla meets his new Arsenal team-mates at training ground

Santi Cazorla met his new Arsenal team-mates on Friday after agreeing a £20million move from Malaga.

 The 27-year-old midfielder has passed a medical and agreed a four-year contract worth £70,000-a-week.

 The Gunners will pay Malaga a basic £16m fee as part of a deal that includes various add-ons. Despite his visit around the training ground to see the facilities, Cazorla's move has not been officially announced.

 Legal red tape connected to Malaga's financial problems is holding up the formalisation process.

 Arsenal's other ongoing transfer target, Real Madrid starlet Nuri Sahin, has been given permission to go out on loan by boss Jose Mourinho. Cazorla was part of Spain's victorious Euro 2012 squad, but only featured for 16 minutes during the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

 He was Malaga's flagship signing of last summer but the club are experiencing severe financial difficulties and look set to offload a number of big names before the new Primera Division campaign begins.

 Meanwhile, Arsenal striker Benik Afobe has joined Bolton on a season-long loan deal.

 The 19-year-old England youth international is set for a second spell playing in the npower Championship, having ended the last campaign on loan at Reading and helping them win promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

 A short statement on the club's website confirmed the news, adding: "Everyone at the club wishes Benik well for his time with Bolton." Afobe follows Jack Wilshere and Ryo Miyaichi in going on loan from the north London club to Bolton.

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Gunners close to Cazorla deal

Arsenal look set to benefit from the turmoil at Malaga by wrapping up a cut-price €16 million deal for Spain international Santi Cazorla.

 Cazorla joined Malaga just 12 months ago for €19 million, and the playmaker's performances in guiding the club to fourth spot in La Liga and a Champions League qualifying spot should have increased his value even further.  

"To sell him for €20 million would be to give him away - I do not believe the club would do that," the Andalucians' coach, Manuel Pellegrini, said just last week, but with money now quickly required to pay Malaga's mounting debts, Arsenal look to have got themselves a bargain.

 Local paper Malaga Hoy reports that Cazorla was given permission on Thursday to miss training and fly to London with his wife and agent to undertake the first stage of his Arsenal medical.

 The paper reports that the transfer could be completed on Friday. Malaga released a statement via the club website on Thursday claiming that a period of "internal financial restructuring" was required to meet UEFA's incoming Financial Fair Play regulations.

 This has been taken in Spain to mean that its Qatari owner, Abdullah Al-Thani, has decided against any further investment in the club, and rumours are still circulating that he remains keen to sell up.

 Pellegrini, who also managed Cazorla to Champions League qualification at Villarreal, is reportedly deeply unhappy with the current state of affairs and considering his position.

 Cazorla could soon be joined at the Emirates by another La Liga-based midfielder, with Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin seemingly set to arrive on loan for the 2012-13 season.

 Jose Mourinho has said the Turkey international is free to leave the Bernabeu. Cazorla's former team-mates trained Friday morning in Malaga, with attacker Isco joining the group after his unsuccessful Olympic campaign with Spain.

 Afterwards goalkeeper Willy Caballero told reporters that the loss of Cazorla and other squad members would be damaging and he hoped Pellegrini would stay.

 "When anyone leaves we lose something important - that goes for Santi and anyone else," he said. "They were all important as together we achieved our objective of fourth place last season. Losing Pellegrini would be losing a great coach."

 The Argentine 'keeper said that he for one was staying at the club, and the remaining players needed to focus on preparing for the coming season, starting with Saturday's friendly in Italy against Serie A champions Juventus.

 "The situation has been difficult at various times, but we must focus and come through it," he said.

 "The group must prepare for the upcoming season, and most importantly remain united. We try and keep out of what we cannot fix and get ready for La Liga, the Champions League and now we are going on this tour."

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(Image) Photo Of Santi Cazorla at the Airport Prior to Arsenal Move, Apparently

The image below was taken by a Malaga fan who bumped into Spanish international Santi Cazorla as he was about to leave for London.

 Clearly this is not exactly irrefutable evidence of a move to Arsenal, or indeed even irrefutable evidence that this is Cazorla at the airport.

 However it does appear that a move to the North London club is moving into view.

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Italian agent claims Van Persie to Juve move is 'done' deal

Robin van Persie looks fed up as his exit from Arsenal continues to drag on.

 The Dutchman was seen working on his fitness at The Gunners' London Colney training ground.

 Premier League champions Manchester City, rivals Manchester United and Italian title holders Juventus are all competing for Van Persie's signature. But in a bizarre claim by a FIFA agent, he claims the deal to Italy is already done.

 Fabio Parisi, who is based in Milan and represents the Nigerian defender Tayo Taiwo, was quoted on Italian TV saying: 'I think Juventus have had a signed contract with Van Persie for some time locked away in a notary’s desk. 'It is just my opinion, but I think there’s an eight out of 10 chance the Dutchman will join the Bianconeri.

 'Juventus want to win and he is considered the ideal addition to achieve that. I don’t think Edin Dzeko is the right player for the Bianconeri.'

 While the claims are yet to be backed up, any move to Juventus could hit the skids following the news that Antonio Conte, manager of Italian Serie A winners, has been banned three months and fined €200,000 over the footballing nation's Calcioscommese match-fixing scandal.

 Better news for Van Persie is that he has been named in the Dutch squad for Louis van Gaal's squad for the friendly with Belgium later this month.

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Ferguson confirms bid for Van Persie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson,has confirmed they have made a bid for Arsenal’s most wanted player Robin Van Persie.

 Speaking on the club’s television,Ferguson said:”Obviously Arsenal have given out the fact that we’ve made a bid for him,” “We try to keep business as close as possible to us until the moment we conclude a deal.

 There’s no point talking about something that might not happen.

 “There are other clubs interested in the player. We’ve shown an interest and that’s where we’re at at the moment” Ferguson said.

 Earlier today, Robin Van Persie declined travelling with the rest of Arsenal’s squad on their pre-season tour of Asia,after stating on his official website two weeks ago,about his intent on not signing a new at the Emirates.

 Manchester United, Juventus and Manchester City have all reportedly lodged bids around £15m, but Arsenal are holding out for a fee in excess of £20m.

 It is left to be seen if the deal materializes,as City are the favourites to land the player,with their enormous spending power.

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Wenger hits out at reckless spending

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger fears big spending from clubs such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain this summer will cause football to suffer.

 Wenger is reportedly on the verge of signing Santi Cazorla from Malaga for £16 million, which would take the Gunners' summer spending to £39 million.

 However, with Europe's "mega-rich" clubs spending more than double that amount during harsh economic times, Wenger insists clubs must begin to act responsibly.

 "We consider ourselves in a privileged position because we have a massive income," Wenger told the Sun. "But overall we are not mega-rich because we do not [have] unlimited resources.

 "A club can buy players like PSG has done or Manchester City or Chelsea, with unlimited resources, but overall football suffers. Look at the activity on the transfer market since the start of the summer. "PSG are ambitious and they have resources and that's it.

 We talk always about the same things. I don't think anything is new in that domain. "Europe at the moment is like the Titanic but we live in football like nothing matters.

 More than ever we have to run our club in a strict way because it looks like everybody suffers in Europe. "I would be surprised if football is not touched by it at some stage.

 If you look at debt in football across Europe at the moment it is quite massive and we have to be responsible. "We have to be ambitious but also make sure we are not getting in trouble financially.

 It is difficult for us because the wages in some other clubs are very high. But of course our players quite rightly compare themselves to the players of the other clubs." Despite their investment over the summer, Wenger does not feel Chelsea's recent achievements will change the game in England.

 Wenger also believes the Blues' Champions League triumph last season demonstrates how competitive the Premier League is. "I don't see what it could change. Maybe it will wake up the appetite of [Roman] Abramovich again. I'm proud when any Premier League club wins the Champions League.

 "It shows how competitive the Premier League is because Chelsea finished fifth in the Premier League and that is the real quality of a team.

 More than the Champions League it is about where your finish in the league. That just shows how good the Premier League is," said Wenger.

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