He's French and He's Injury Prone!

Reports from Sevilla FC's official Web site, which I am apparently incapable of finding, state that Arsenal has agreed to a fee to sign center back Sebastian Squillaci.

Marca reports the deal is worth £5.3 million, which sounds like a good deal to me. He is due in London for a medical tomorrow.

More later as news trickles in, plus, of course, the recap of yesterday's 6-0 win.

Koscielny Deal Complete

Pic via Arsenal.com.

With the central defense being one of the Gunners' weakest positions depth-wise, thanks to the departures of Senderos, Gallas, Silvestre, and possibly Sol Campbell, Arsenal have taken their first steps to fill out that role and have announced the completion of their transfer signing of center back Laurent Koscielny from Ligue 1 side Lorient this afternoon.

Prior to this signing, the only players on the squad with first team experience in the center back role were Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou.

Koscielny, 24, made 40 appearances across all competitions for Lorient last season and just two years ago was played in France's second division; his transfer to Arsenal marking the end of a meteoric rise for the youngster over the past two seasons.

Internationally, Koscielny remains uncapped, and while he was born in France, his lineage would allow him to play for Poland.

News Roundup 7/7/10 - The Controversially Onside Edition

This ridiculous shot put Holland up 1-0 yesterday. Pic via Guardian.

• International Gunner Watch - Van Persie: After shocking Brazil on Friday, the Netherlands advanced to their first World Cup Final since 1978 after a 3-2 win over Uruguay. Much debate surrounds whether Robin van Persie was offside for De Oranje's second goal, the goal which put them ahead for good. My opinion: RVP was offside by a hair's width and did interfere with the goalkeeper's vision. By the letter of the law, the goal should not have stood. But, it wasn't as blatantly obvious as some other goals that have counted (*coughTevezcough*). [Guardian]
• Speaking of van Persie, he has requested a squad number change that is awaiting team approval. Likely to #10, which is being vacated by Gallas. [Gooner Talk]
• International Gunner Watch - Fabregas: It looked like there was a chance Cesc would start for Spain in today's semifinal against Germany, but thanks to a shin injury, it looks like he'll be starting on the bench again. [Guardian]
• Speaking of Fabregas, Barcelona has had to ask for a £125 million bank loan to cover unpaid wages for players and staff. No wonder they won't "overpay" for him... even though they've overpaid for everyone else over the past couple of years. Everything about Barca just feels smarmy. [Guardian, Telegraph]
• The Laurent Koscielny transfer deal should be completed within the next 24 hours, at £8.5 million. I've heard a rumor that he'll be wearing #6, which makes sense as that number was vacated by Senderos. [Daily Mail]
• Koscieny's soon-to-be-"former" French team Lorient, have already signed his replacement. That was fast... [Sky Sports]
• Arsenal's opening weekend fixture against Liverpool at Anfield has been moved for television to Sunday at 4:00 (11:00 Eastern.) I've been saying that would happen since the fixture list came out, but I don't think I typed that here anywhere, so you're just going to have to take my word for it. What? You don't believe me!?! [Arsenal.com]
• Oh, and Bendtner's hurt. That's one injury already for the start of the season... Bets on who's next? [Telegraph, ESPN Soccernet]
• Pre-season training has begun in North London! And the first friendly is in ten days! Get excited! [Arsenal.com]

Transfer Lies and Slander - 6/30/10

Arsenal might just win at knifey-spoony after all! Pic via Daily Telegraph.

IN: 

Laurent Koscielny – The Sun says the deal is done for the Lorient center back at £8.5 million. The Daily Mail says it's £10 million. The Daily Telegraph has the former number. The deal should probably be done by the end of the week. Let's get the Gooner chant machine going!

Mark Schwarzer – That Telegraph article above lists Schwarzer as Arsenal's next number one target signing once the Koscielny contract is inked.

Joe Cole – It's between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to sign the former Chelsea midfielder. With England out of the World Cup, this deal should be complete within the next two weeks.

Loic Remy – This story has been around before (where I made a good number of Nice puns), but the Nice striker still would like to be a Gunner. Nice's asking price remains too high.

Mario Balotelli – The Inter Milan 19-year-old striker's stay at the San Siro is uncertain and he admits that Arsenal is "a great team."

Madjid Bougherra – The Algerian defender from Rangers in the SPL has spent time in England at Crewe Alexandra, Sheffield Wednesday, and Charlton Athletic, but only his brief stay in South-East London was top flight. With a Koscielny deal essentially done, I can only see this move happening if Sol Campbell departs.

OUT:

Henri Lansbury (LOAN) – Newcastle United is keen on the 19-year-old midfielder, who spent last year in the Championship on loan at Watford, and appeared for the Gunners in the final match of the year against Fulham.

William Gallas – Essentially out the door already, the conversation on his free agent singing appears to now be between Panathinaikos and PSG.

Sol Campbell – Arsenal's policy on contracts with 30+ players might have cost them Sol Campbell, as the big center back is looking for more than a one year deal. It looks like Celtic are willing to offer one.

Eduardo – The Brazilian-born Croatian has struggled with form since his catastrophic leg injury, and after the signing of Chamakh, it appears he may be surplus to necessity at the Emirates. Aston Villa is interested in him to replace the possibly departing John Carew.

Jay Simpson – The 21-year-old reserve forward has spent the last three years away from Arsenal on loan at Millwall, West Brom, and QPR, but as he desires consistent first-team football, he might have to depart the Gunners. A bevy of teams are interested.

Transfer Lies and Slander - 6/25/10

Kos-chell-ny? Ko-shell-ny? Kos-choo-cha-la... Pic via Daily Mail.

Unless an actual deal is completed, Hipster Gooner will keep you posted on all of the crazy transfer rumors and nonsense with a weekly feature called Transfer Lies and Slander! Throughout the window, moves that have officially been completed will be listed on the blog's frame to the right.

Enjoy the madness!

IN:

Laurent Koscielny (CB, from Lorient)

With William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre gone and possibly Sol Campbell too, Arsenal has a well-documented crisis at center back. Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou are currently the only players on the squad in this position. Arsenal is currently very close to completing a deal for Laurent Koscielny from Lorient in France's Ligue 1.

The Gunners have shipped Francis Coquelin in the opposite direction for a loan spell in order to sweeten the deal, but Lorient wants Arsenal to up their bid for Koscielny. Word from the Daily Mail is, there's a deal on the table, but it is being held back because Arsene Wenger, in South Africa covering the World Cup for French television, left his Blackberry in London and is unable to review the terms of the deal. How bizarre. In any case, it appears that this transfer is all but complete.

Now, is it "Kos-chell-ny" or "Ko-shell-ny" or neither? I imagine it's supposed to be the first, but most British commentators will say it the latter way.

Mark Schwarzer (GK, from Fulham)

We've covered the fact that Fulham has already denied one offer for their 37-year-old Australian goalkeeper, but word is that Arsenal have sent the Cottagers an updated offer, near £3.5 million. It is obvious that Arsenal needs an experienced goalkeeper to bridge the gap between current goalkeeper tandem Tweedledee and Tweedledum and goalkeeper of the future, Wojciech Szczesny.

Schwarzer, of course, did not have the best of World Cups for the Aussies, being at fault for at least two goals conceded by the Socceroos. It seems that many goalies linked with Arsenal (also notably Hugo Lloris of France) allowed a few howlers. Auditioning for the role of new Almunianski, are they?

Mesut Ozil (MF, from Werder Bremen)

Ozil has been linked with Arsenal in transfer windows past, but now the young star for the German national team is linked with a number of big name teams, including Chelsea and Manchester City. Arsenal may see Ozil as a replacement should they lose Cesc Fabregas, though Ozil is more of an attack minded midfielder, rather than a box-to-box playmaker like Cesc.

Of course, now Barcelona want Ozil too. Why do Barcelona think they have all the money in the world? They probably can't afford Fabregas alone, considering what Arsenal deserves to be paid for him, yet the Catalans think they can buy Fabregas, Ozil, Torres, and others in addition to already splashing for David Villa? Their Catalan egos are frustrating the rest of the world.

Federico Marchetti (GK, from Cagliari)

If Schwarzer does not work out for the Gunners, they've also been linked with Federico Marchetti of Cagliari in Serie A and the Italian national team. Like Schwarzer and Lloris, Marchetti did not have a great World Cup, replacing the injured Gianluigi Buffon. Who was the last Italian keeper to allow four goals in the group stage and not win a game? I'll wait for your answer because that's more research than I feel like doing right now.

In any case, this move looks highly unlikely. It seems like Marchetti won't move unless Cagliari receives "an offer he cannot refuse" (thanks for The Godfather reference, Sky Sports.)

Joe Cole (MF, from Chelsea)

Joe Cole is one of very few Chelsea players that I really don't hate on a personal level. Chelsea will be releasing the 28-year-old midfielder as of July 1 and there in interest in his services from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United. It is said that United is not, in fact, in the running, and there have been rumors that a deal with Arsenal has already been completed, but no word is likely to be announced until after the World Cup.

Renat Yanbaev (LB, from Lokomotiv Moscow)

Barcelona wants Gael Clichy, in addition to kidnapping Cesc Fabregas, which could leave Arsenal in need of another left back, assuming Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore are not yet ready to start. Considering I can't see Arsenal having much of a conversation with Barcelona over anybody right now, I don't really see this move being necessary, but there have been whispers that they have been looking at Renat Yanbaev, a 26-year-old Russian defender that can play on either the left or right side. Making this transfer even more unlikely is that fact that Yanbaev would not be awarded a work permit to play in England right away anyway.

OUT:

Cesc Fabregas (MF, to Barcelona)

I don't think I could say much here that you don't already know.

Gael Clichy (LB, to Barcelona)

Rumors that Clichy might leave to Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Juventus have been circulating slowly all summer, but Arsenal are not likely to be selling a young defender already under contract, given the team's general frailty at the position. The rumors will likely continue, but I would expect Clichy to stay.

William Gallas (CB, to Juventus)

It's no surprise: William Gallas will not play for Arsenal next year. I think we all know that.

He's not under contract either, so there's no transfer fee to discuss. Arsenal does have a one-year deal on the table, but Gallas wants more money (and I'm not so sure he deserves it), which leaves Gallas now looking at offers from Juventus (though he wants more money from them than they're offering), PSG, Roma, and the two big Greek sides in Athens. After a disastrous World Cup for France, I can't see Gallas getting the contract he desires; he's probably best to settle soon.

Alex Song (MF, to Galatasaray)

Turkish side Galatasaray have reportedly offered £4 million for the services of the Cameroonian holding midfielder and Arsenal have, unsurprisingly, said no. Arsene Wenger is likely to keep Song, the linchpin of the defensive midfield, until his contract expires in 2014.

Sol Campbell (CB, to Celtic)

Sol Campbell had a surprisingly successful return to North London last spring, but his contract has expired. While Arsenal has sent a one-year contract proposal his way, Campbell is taking his time in reviewing his options. Last year proved that Campbell still has it, and he is now hearing interest from Celtic of the SPL. Newcastle United have denied interest.

Barça Make Formal Offer for Fabregas, Arsenal Laughs in Their Face

Pic via Guardian.

After months of speculation, wild rumors, and no more than informal conversation between the two clubs, F.C. Barcelona yesterday made an official transfer offer to Arsenal for captain Cesc Fabregas.

Turns out, that offer was for £29 million. While that might be four million more than Arsenal received from Manchester City for Emmanuel Adebayor last summer, this value is still appallingly low for a player of the caliber and role of Fabregas. So, in a move that should surprise nobody, Arsenal said no to the offer.

Arsenal's response was blunt: Fabregas is under contract until 2015, we have no intention of selling him right now, we're not making a counter-proposal, and we're not going to talk about it, so goodbye.

So, what does this mean? That this saga is long from over! Aren't you so very excited about that!?!

NorthEnders: The Cesc to Barça Soap Opera Timeline

Cesc Fabregas: ready to leave Arsenal behind? Pic via Sky Sports.

I don't know about you, but I'm starting to think this whole Fabregas to Barcelona saga is getting ridiculous. Barcelona appear to be standing firm at their insultingly lowball offer of £30 million; it looks as if, at the moment, the Catalan side can't afford to sign him, unless Arsenal buckles in negotiation.

So, as this situation is bound to get more preposterous and infuriating in time, this is as good an opportunity as any to review the summer saga as it has occurred so far, with this blood-boiling timeline:

May 13: Cesc Fabregas hints that he wants the situation to be taken care of before the start of the World Cup, but says that he is in no rush to leave Arsenal and is happy with the club.

May 18: Reports of an emotional meeting between Fabregas and Arsene Wenger state that the captain made it clear that he wants to move back to his boyhood club.

May 19: Barcelona states that Arsenal will have the final say over any move, since Fabregas remains under contract. In spite of this, the club remained confident that the transfer would be complete by the end of the week. On the same day, Barca completed their £34.2 million purchase of striker David Villa.

May 20: If you didn't hate Barcelona already by this point, on the 20th, they suggested that Fabregas should publicly declare his desire to leave Arsenal. The Daily Mail at this point claims that Arsenal's price tag is in the vicinity of £80 million, not 40 as widely reported.

May 21: Arsenal prepares to fight to keep Fabregas in North London, and state that they have not yet set a price on the skipper. Chairman Peter Hill-Wood is said to have told Barcelona that Fabregas is not for sale. Arsenal also completes their signing of Marouane Chamakh.

May 22: Hill-Wood remains critical of Barcelona's tactics and backs up his statements from the day prior that Fabregas is not going to be sold.

May 25: Barcelona confirms that they have not yet made an offer for Fabregas. They say there has been "first contacts," but no official offers. Cesc's father tells the Spanish media that he expects the process to be long-winded but ultimately ending with Cesc leaving Arsenal.

May 26: After a very long conversation between Cesc Fabregas and Arsene Wenger, Cesc is told that the situation lies in Arsenal's hands now.

May 31: Barcelona president Joan Laporta states that they are still working on a deal, despite facing difficult negotiations from Arsenal.

Chamakh Deal Complete

Pic via Arsenal.com.

In completely and utterly shocking news, Arsenal today have confirmed their signing of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. The 26-year-old Moroccan international has signed a long-term contract with the club.

In eight seasons with Bordeaux, Chamakh scored 79 goals in 293 appearances with the club, which advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League last season, before being bounced out by Lyon. Chamakh scored both Bordeaux goals in the tie.

Chamakh was born and raised in France, but by lineage plays internationally for Morocco, for whom he has scored 27 goals in his 53 caps. The side's most famous moment was advancing to the Final of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.

And for your information, in terms of blog posts, I've been holding off on speculative news until the damned Cesc Fabregas soap opera comes to an end.

News Roundup 5/12/10 - The Gunnersaurus Edition

Sorry, I just enjoy pictures of Gunnersaurus. Pic via Arsenal.com.

• After Blackpool secured a date at Wembley yesterday, Cardiff City will look to extend their 1-0 lead over Leicester City tonight at home in the second leg of their semifinal tie. I believe we'll be covering it again, as Hipster Bluebird this time. And not as Hipster Foxes, which upset our own Max Foxman. Sorry, Max.
• The Gunners have announced two more pre-season friendlies, in addition to the end of July Emirates Cup: one July 17 at Barnet F.C. and another on August 7 in Warsaw. [Arsenal.com]
• Arsene Wenger has been promised that the funds for transfer moves this summer are indeed available. *coughbuyagoalkeepercough* [Daily Telegraph, Guardian]
• Contract negotiations are not going well with William Gallas. This could spark a move for Lyon's Jeremy Toulalan. [Guardian]
• Then, there's talk of the Toure's coming to North London. Yaya, who shot down the rumors last summer while getting significant playing time at Barca, is now 90% sure he's leaving Camp Nou. [Guardian, Daily Mirror, Sky Sports]
• If Barcelona takes Cesc Fabregas away from us, Wenger is keen on replacing him with Everton's Mikael Arteta. [Guardian, Daily Mirror]
• Arsenal legend Tony Adams has been appointed as manager of Azerbaijan side Gabala F.C. Last year, the Radars finished 10th in the Azerbaijan Premier League. [Arsenal.com]

News Roundup 1/29/10 - The Is It Sunday Yet? Edition

Here's Jack Wilshere, running for his life from a bleached blond lunatic. Pic via Daily Mirror.

• Despite a last minute bid from Wigan, Jack Wilshere's transfer to Bolton Wanderers has been made official, as expected. [Daily Mirror]
• Start gearing up for Sunday's clash with Manchester United with this photo gallery of past matches from Guardian.
• March 13 match at Hull City has been tabbed for live television and has been moved up to 5:30 pm in England. Hull is quickly becoming Arsenal's ninth most heated rival! [Arsenal.com]
• Pressure is growing on Arsene Wenger to make a move in the final three days of the transfer window... [Daily Mirror]
• ...but he admits it's unlikely. [Daily Mirror, Arsenal.com]
  
• There's still a slim chance Tom Vermaelen will be fit for Sunday. That would be amazing. [Daily Mirror]
• But, if he's not, Arsene Wenger is confident in Sol Campbell's ability to contain Wayne Rooney. [Arsenal.com]
• Sir Alex Ferguson kindly asks his supporters not to call Arsene Wenger a pedophile. [Daily Telegraph]
• And, in one last bit of news I didn't want to hear, Bacary Sagna's agent has linked the blond dreadlocks to a possible summer transfer to Internazionale. [Sky Sports]
  

News Roundup 1/28/10 - The Three-Dimensional Edition

Wow, Wayne Rooney's dives are so much more life-like in 3D! Pic via Guardian.

• Sky has announced that Sunday's Arsenal-Manchester United clash at the Emirates will be their first experiment in publicly broadcasting live sports in 3D. I intend to be drunk enough to think the 2D screen at Nevada Smiths is in 3D. [Guardian]
• Tom Vermaelen did NOT break his fibula yesterday at Villa Park, but the extent of the injury is still not clear. He will still likely miss Sunday. [Arsenal.com]
• That would mean that the currently unstoppable Wayne Rooney would be marked by Sol Campbell. I'd like to just see Campbell flatten him. [ESPN Soccernet]
• Other injury notes: Arsenal will also likely be without Eduardo and Diaby on Sunday. Which means Diaby can't score for Manchester United this time around. [Arsenal.com]
• CORRECTION: Eboue and Song are both "available" for Sunday. [Guardian]
  
• Jack Wilshere is close to a move to Bolton Wanderers. I guess last week's little row with Owen Coyle and William Gallas's challenge didn't sour the deal. [Sky Sports]
• Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand's appeal of his three-match ban for violent conduct was deemed "frivolous" and is now a four-match ban. He will not play Sunday at the Emirates. [Guardian]
  

News Roundup 1/26/10 - The 10 Millionth Reason to Hate Man United Edition

Smalling is off to the North next year. Pic via Guardian.

• Manchester United won the transfer battle for Fulham defender Chris Smalling. Urge to destroy rising. [Guardian, Daily Mirror]
• Speaking of transfers, Jack Wilshere is likely on the move to another Premier League team (potentially Bolton, Burnley, or West Ham) within 24-48 hours. [Arsenal.com]
• Player news: Samir Nasri and Nicklas Bendtner have resumed full training! Diaby and Merida remain out, in terms of those not done for the year (van Persie, Djourou, and Gibbs). [Arsenal.com]
• Alex Song is back from the Africa Cup, but may not be fit for the clash with Manchester United on Sunday. Arsene Wenger mentioned that Song looked "tired" in yesterdays 3-1 aet loss to Egypt. [Arsenal.com]
  

News Roundup 1/25/10 - The Second Guessing Edition

Damn it! Pic via Guardian.

• More on Arsenal's elimination and Arsene Wenger's choices from the FA Cup: Wenger defends his squad selections, given injuries [Daily Mirror], and praised the peformance of Sol Campbell, despite his culpability on both goals of Fuller's brace [Guardian].
• Speaking of the Guardian, they blast Wenger for his selections, saying "It is to English football's credit that he didn't succeed [with an under-strength side]" and that "Arsenal got what they deserved." [Guardian]
• Vito Mannone has signed a new long-term contract. Please put more pressure on Almunia's spot. Thank you. [Arsenal.com]
• Philippe Senderos has completed his loan to Everton for the rest of the season. [Sky Sports]
• Arsenal are apparently favorites to sign teenager striker Victor Moses from Crystal Palace. [Telegraph]
• UPDATE: Cameroon falls to Egypt in extra time of their knockout round match at the Africa Cup of Nations. That means both Eboue and Song are done in the tournament. My hope is that Arsenal had a charter jet to take Song right back to the Emirates immediately after today's loss.
  

News Roundup 1/22/10 - The Assault Edition

William Gallas, beware! Another challenge like that and Owen Coyle will attack from the shadows! Pic via Guardian.

• Owen Coyle admits that calling William Gallas's challenge that led to Arsenal's equalizer on Wednesday an "assault" was too strong. He's downgraded charges to simple battery. [Guardian]
• Arsene Wenger is very disappointed in the media for vilifying Gallas, in spite of the fact that "no-one minds when teams talk of kicking us." I'm gonna write up something on this thought a bit later. [Arsenal.com]
• Transfer window talk: The Daily Mirror says Wenger is unlikely to make a move in the window now that Nicklas Bendtner will return to fitness soon. [Daily Mirror]
• ...but he's still being coy on Fulham central defender Chris Smalling. [ESPN Soccernet]
• Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has extended his loan spell at Brentford until the end of January. That's such a long time... [Arsenal.com]
• FA Cup Fourth Round tie preview later tonight.
  

News Roundup 1/21/10 - The It Wasn't Just a Dream Edition

Someone call the whaaaaaambulance! Pic via Guardian.

• No, it was not a wonderful dream! We're still top of the league! With the FA Cup this weekend, we'll stay there unless Manchester United beats Hull City. Again, it could happen, if Boaz Myhill plays like he did at White Hart Lane this week. [Premier League]
• Injury update: Kieran Gibbs is out for the season, requiring surgery on his broken foot [Arsenal.com], Abou Diaby is out for a week with a calf injury and Bacary Sagna will sit for the cup tie at Stoke to rest a bad shoulder. [Arsenal.com]
• Owen Coyle compares William Gallas to Satan. Well, not exactly... [Guardian]
• Gallas will not be punished for his little stampy challenge. [Sky Sports]
• Quick transfer notes: Marouane Chamakh has promised to give Arsenal and Liverpool his decision [Daily Mirror], Everton is still interested in Senderos [Guardian], and Fulham has denied that they've spoken to Arsenal about Chris Smalling [ESPN Soccernet].
• Cameroon 2 - 2 Tunisia means Cameroon advances and Alex Song will not be coming back any time soon. Damn you, Tunisia, for blowing two leads! [Guardian]
  

News Roundup 1/14/10 - The Senderos Remains Pissed Edition

Philippe Senderos cannot stop the voices in his head from telling him to leave, so he'll just go with them now. Pic via Jeorge Bird's Arsenal Youth.

• Well, this was bound to happen. As he continues to slide down the depth chart at center-back, Philippe Senderos wants a permanent transfer from Arsenal. We here at Hipster Gooner will have a longer post about the situation on defense later today. [BBC]
• Craig Eastmond inked a new long-term contract yesterday. I have no witty comment. [Arsenal.com]
• New Bolton boss Owen Coyle is pessimistic about a Jack Wilshere move to the Reebok, due to Arsenal's injury situation. [ESPN Soccernet]
• Speaking of pessimists, remember Tom Vermaelen's "if we play like that again, it's all over" stuff from Monday? Well, now Chelsea's John Terry is saying the exact same stuff. So, basically every team thinks they're done if they slide any more. Prediction: Nobody wins the Premier League. [Guardian]
• Unlike Bolton, FC Twente, which really doesn't sound Dutch, is optimistic that they can sign Jack Wilshere. Oh, those crazy Dutch! [Telegraph]
• Again, later today, a post on the state of Arsenal's defense corps. Tomorrow, a preview of the weekend's action.
  

News Roundup 1/13/10 - The Stealing More Than a Point From Everton Edition

Listen Everton, if you think you can just come in here and draw against us, then we're going to get some revenge, so watch your back! Pic via Daily Mirror.

• The Daily Mirror exclusive reports that Arsenal has signed Brazilian attacking midfielder (and their 17-year-old U21 captain) Samuel Galindo, who had been training with Everton. See what Arsene Wenger will do when you steal points at the Emirates? [Daily Mirror]
  
• More on the return of Sol Campbell from last night's reserves win at Upton Park, courtesy of Reserves manager Neil Banfield. [Arsenal.com]
• Finally, an article that specifically says Cesc Fabregas is "100%" for Sunday's fixture at Bolton. But 100% what? Awesome? Recyclable material? Oh, healthy... well, good! [ESPN Soccernet]
• More transfer news: Rumors of a £35m deal for 22-year-old striker Mauro Zarate, formerly of Birmingham City and currently with Lazio in Italy, are false, says Lazio. Well, of course they're going to say that. They're going to say that up until the point where he's physically signed the contract. Or is on the plane to Heathrow. [Guardian]
• Africa Cup of Nations: Alex Song and Cameroon lost 1-0 to Gabon in a shocking upset, with Gabon's goal coming early in the match (16') and completely against the run of play. [Guardian]
  
• Injury Update: Denilson out Sunday at Bolton with his "abdominal injury", but with Fabregas back in, that's pretty much a direct substitution change from the line-up against Everton. But as a pleasant surprise, Gael Clichy is apparently available. [Arsenal.com]