Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed there is interest in highly-rated midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta amid reports that Arsenal are leading the chase.

The 23-year-old was being tracked by Portsmouth earlier in the season, but he shunned possible interest from the South Coast club.

Now the Swiss star has reportedly emerged as one of Arsene Wenger's primary targets for the summer.

Bayer, who would want in excess of £12million for Barnetta, insisted they want to try and extend his contract - which has 18 months to run.

"There are enquiries for Tranquillo all the time and we have been talking about this with him," Leverkusen sporting manager Michael Reschke told Express - who claim Arsenal have made contact with Bayer.

Lille midfielder Yohan Cabaye has expressed his delight at learning that Premier League club Arsenal are interested in acquiring his services.

The 23-year-old is highly-rated by regular followers of Ligue 1 having scored 13 goals in 107 appearances since making his debut for Les Dogues in the 2003/04 campaign.

It is claimed that Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is considering making an end-of-season bid for the France under-21 international, although it is unknown as to what transfer fee the midfielder would command.

"I will try to finish the season well with the objective of a European qualification. Then I will take stock," Cabye told Aujourd'hui Sport.

"Arsenal's interest? It is very flattering, but I am under contract and I don't know of any contact. Once again I am completely focused on the pitch.
"Would I be attracted? Of course, no one could refuse that. Anyway, I don't think about it."

Valencia vice-president Fernando Gomez revealed on Wednesday that the club had begun negotiations with Manchester City for the sale of David Villa.

Spanish daily AS has now reported that the opening round of talks did not go down very well, as City’s Arab backers refused to entertain Los Che’s exorbitant asking price, believed to be €100 million.

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It has been reported that Valencia are eager to complete Villa’s sale some time next week, as they are in dire need of €75 million before July to pay off their debts.

Real Madrid will install a new president and administration this summer and even though none of the potential candidates have yet to officially submit their candidature, some sections of the Spanish press are not only predicting Florentino Perez will win, but there are already speculations as to who he would sign when he takes office.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka have always been on top of the virtual shopping list and they still are, but now two more names have been added to the mix. And they are none other than Madrid’s Champions League tormentors, Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.

Salomon Kalou has been linked with a move to Arsenal of late, and two Gunners stars have now strengthened the link. Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure would both love to see their Ivory Coast team-mate join them in north London, where he'd be 'happier'...

Arsenal first-team coach Boro Primorac has revealed that the club have been monitoring the progress of Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko.

The 22-year-old striker has been in impressive form for the Die Wolfe this season, scoring 13 goals in 22 appearances to help the club reach second place in the Bundesliga.

"We [will] keep our eyes on him," Primorac is quoted as saying in German sports magazine Kicker-Sportmagazin.

"He is a striker able to make it in the Premier League."

It is thought that Spanish club Sevilla are also interested in the Bosnia-Herzegovina international, who has scored 6 goals in 13 caps, although Wolfsburg appear determined to keep hold of him.

"Edin is under contract for two more years and likes being at Wolfsburg," his agent Alen Augustincic is quoted as saying.

"We are hoping they will win participation in the Champions League for next season."

Manager Felix Magath remarked, "We want to keep our team at our club, as many players as possible. I am confident Dzeko will be a Wolfsburg player next season, too."

About villa, Spanish press have quoted his agent saying that he's not leaving la liga next year, and Barcelona should try to get him if Eto'o doesn't extend his contract.
hope to see him in Barça next year, with Messi, Xavi and Iniesta behind him, he will scooooooore

Ronaldo? Probably

Fernando Torres to Real Madrid? That is like Jamie Carragher joining Man Utd.

Despite Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli denying that the club has been contacted by Chelsea over the availability of striker David Trezeguet, the player’s agent has insisted that his client’s future could indeed lie in England.

“A divorce could suit both parties,” Antonio Caliendo told Tuttosport. “David is now only focussed on the Scudetto race as he wants to catch Inter and does not want to think about anything else.

“But Chelsea and three other important English sides have targeted David and I can’t deny that he would gladly move to England. He likes the Premier League and could excel there.”

The 31-year-old’s contract will run out in 2011, however, he fell out with coach Claudio Ranieri after being substituted during a Champions League game against Chelsea last month and could decide to seek a fresh start at the end of the season.

“We will talk with the Juve directors,” continued the representative. “We have an excellent rapport with them and I don’t need to hide anything from them.

“They are aware of this situation, but they also want to just focus on the Scudetto at the moment. That is why we will discuss the matter in due time.”

Rumours about Cesc Fabregas’ future continue to emerge, despite the player continually pledging his loyalty to Arsenal and the club’s chief, Ivan Gazidis, again reiterating that the superstar Spaniard is not for sale.
But Spanish daily AS has reported that numerous sources in the English press believe that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could line-up Real Madrid's Fernando Gago as a replacement for Fabregas should he decide to swap the Emirates for the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

Gago has supposedly attracted plenty of admirers in England with his playing style and he would have no problems fitting in with Arsenal’s brand of football as a direct substitute for Cesc.

It has also been claimed that a few other clubs are keeping a close eye on the Argentine’s progress, including Manchester City, who have reportedly considered making an offer for the 22-year-old.

Manchester United winger and current Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has allegedly agreed personal terms with persistent suitors Real Madrid.

The Guardian claims that the Portuguese international is eager to move to the Spanish capital, despite his eventual admission last summer that he was to remain at Old Trafford.

The English source states further that the player's advisors have already secured for him favourable terms and wages at the Santiago Bernabeu, and all that is left is to find an agreement with the English club.

While these reports find little backup in the Spanish press, this may be because, unlike last summer's frenzy of publicity, those involved have made a concerted effort to keep matters quiet.

Almost all have done so, but as long ago as December a Madrid director, Pedro Trapote, was heard proclaiming that the Blancos had "already signed" their top summer target. "Cristiano - there is no other," said the long-time club socio.

Interestingly, The Guardian further claims that Ronaldo is quietly determined not to be denied a transfer this summer, despite Sir Alex Ferguson's vocal protestations that Real Madrid of all teams will not be laying a finger on one of his top assets.

Cristiano Ronaldo is under contract until 2012, and as such can only move for a fee. The figure mooted for this transfer is no less than £75m (€82m) - an undisputed world record.

Oh god I really hope the ronaldo story will not happen again this summer.

Of course it will.

I just hope he goes to Real Madrid so everyone shuts up about it.

Fernando Torres to Real Madrid? That is like Jamie Carragher joining Man Utd.

I've heard a rumour going round lately that Arsenal fans will love.

Apparently Liverpool might make a move for Theo Walcott in the summer. The fella has just over a year left on his contract, and Arsenal may not make the Champions League next season...and with there being a World Cup in 2010. Plus, he is a Liverpool fan...

Of course it will.

I just hope he goes to Real Madrid so everyone shuts up about it.

So do I. Seeing the back of that arrogant, self-absorbed diving pansy would give me an untold amount of pleasure

Manchester United are reportedly planning to sign Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery this summer, according to a report in the News of the World.

The British tabloid claims that the English champions have joined the chase for the French international and will beat off competition from the likes of Barcelona and Inter to sign the 25-year-old.

The paper reports that their sources at the Nou Camp believe that the Red Devils are almost certain to capture Ribery and have already begun negotiations with the Bayern man.

Manchester City have reportedly joined the long list of suitors interested in signing Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o.

The forward’s contract at the Camp Nou expires in 2010, which has led to speculation that he may leave the club this summer.

Reports that Barcelona want to sign Valencia striker David Villa have only intensified the hype surrounding Eto’o’s future at the club he joined in 2004.

Should he decide to quit the Catalan side there would be no shortage of clubs chasing his signature and Liverpool and Inter have both been linked with the Cameroon international in recent weeks.

They have now reportedly been joined by Manchester City with the Mail on Sunday claiming that the Citizens are willing to offer Barca €22 million for the 28-year-old.

Former Arsenal winger Robert Pires has revealed that he believes Cesc Fabregas should remain a Gunner for at least another year.

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However, according to Pires, the Arsenal skipper should remain in north London in order to be sure he maximises his on-pitch time and continues to improve as a player.

“I do not have any advice to give Cesc, but the ideal situation for him would be to carry on with Arsenal in order to keep on improving,” the Frenchman told setanta.com.

“The main reason for him to stay is that he knows he is going to be played week in, week out.

“I am not saying that he would not play if he was a Real Madrid or a Barcelona player, but it is more difficult to be part of their starting line-up.”

Fabregas made his long-awaited return from injury yesterday and played a starring role as Arsenal beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Emirates.

"Once more, there have been stories in the media recently talking about my future," Fabregas told Arsenal’s official match programme.

"I’m very happy at Arsenal and have said it many times – but I cannot control what the newspapers say or stop the press.

"When they speak for me, I don’t understand it because only my friends, family and the boss know what I think.

"It’s just a story that will go on and on, even if I was to say I would stay and retire here!

"I’ve said many times I’m proud to be captain of this club and I see my future with Arsenal.

"All that I want to do is to focus on my football and finish the season very well because I think Arsenal have a lot to say in the next few weeks."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may be lining up a bid for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, according to The People.

This news comes on the back of similar reports linking Gunners star Robin van Persie with a move to Primera Division giants Barcelona.

According to the newspaper, the Dutch striker is reportedly wanted by Barca boss Pep Guardiola as a replacement for Thierry Henry, who is rumoured to be returning to the Premier League next season, possibly to Manchester City.

Higuain would command a transfer fee of around £20 million, which is the sort of fee that flies in the face of Arsenal's transfer policy. So, if Wenger is considering going for the Argentina international, he will have to sell at least one of his big name players first.

The 21-year-old has been on fire for Madrid this season after a disappointing first couple of years at Santiago Bernabeu.

The Daily Mail suggested Manchester United were weighing up the possibility of making a summer swoop for the Italian shot stopper. Buffon has not been in the best of form recently and talk in Turin suggested he could be sold to provision funds for a busy transfer market.

However, Martina has wasted no time in reacting as he plays down the speculation.

"I have nothing to say about Buffon," the agent told Calciomercato.it.

"I am tired of always having to comment on things which do not exist. Manchester United? I know the environment very well and there is absolutely nothing true."

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Arsenal are considering raiding Premier League rivals West Ham United for defender Matthew Upson.

It is claimed that the Hammers, who were said to be in financial trouble at the turn of the year, may have to cash in on the centre-back should they fail to secure a place in next season's Europa League.

As it stands, the Irons are seventh in the table, a position that could see them compete in Europe next year, although the likes of Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Wigan Athletic are all within three points of overtaking them.

It was rumoured that the east London outfit would sell the England international in the January transfer window and apparently the Gunners, as well as Manchester City, made inquires as to his availability.

Carlos Tevez could join Cristiano Ronaldo by forcing a move to Real Madrid from Manchester United in the summer after failing to gain a regular place in the team, according to a report in the English press.

The Portuguese star is still being tipped to be set to move to the Santiago Bernabeu with the Spanish club's former president, Ramon Calderon, hinting that a deal has already been done.

Sir Alex Ferguson may be saying otherwise, but he could well be trying to keep more than just one player at Old Trafford in the summer as Tevez is also unsettled, according to The Times.

United have paid £10 million to have Tevez on loan for two seasons and must now find a further £22m to meet the asking price should they want to make his move to the club permanent.

But that is where the stumbling block may come with the former West Ham United star said to be unhappy at his lack of consecutive games in the starting line-up.

well what is the source?

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Sir Alex Ferguson may be saying otherwise, but he could well be trying to keep more than just one player at Old Trafford in the summer as Tevez is also unsettled, according to The Times.

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I don't see all the fuss about Real Madrid personally. Liverpool comprehensively showed why they aren't the force they used to be in the UCL this season.

The English league is the best in the world, and he is with one of the best teams in the world, and I just feel moving from it and United would be a mistake for Ronaldo.

Manchester City and Barcelona officials met on Monday and discussed the possible transfer of Samuel Eto'o to Eastlands, BBC Sport understands.

Although it was billed as a contact-building exercise, the chance of a deal for £40m-rated Cameroon striker Eto'o formed part of their discussions.

The 28-year-old was transfer-listed by Barcelona last season but has found his best form under new boss Pep Guardiola.

Eto'o has given no indication he would be willing to leave the Catalan giants.

In February, he said he wanted to stay at Barcelona beyond the end of his contract in 2010.

"Of course I want to continue, I'm very happy and see no reason to leave," he told TV station Canal Catala.

"I'm going to stay to the end of my contract and if the club want me, I would like to stay longer."

Manchester City certainly have the ambition and financial clout to lure the likes of Eto'o since their takeover last September by the Abu Dhabi United Group, backed by Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

But the club will not figure in next season's Champions League and are by no means guaranteed a place in the new Europa League.

Officials are also likely to tread carefully in any fresh transfer bids for big-name players following the acrimony over their failed move for AC Milan's Kaka.

Manchester City's executive chairman Garry Cook was criticised after accusing Milan of "bottling" a £100m deal for the Brazilian star.

“Adebayor is a player that we have known for quite some time," he began.

"He is a great guy, intelligent on and off the field. We speak on the phone from time to time.

"He is also aware that we are looking for a player with his characteristics, but I doubt very much that he will leave London. Adebayor will stay at Arsenal,” said the Milan vice-president, in what sounded like an admittance of defeat in his pursuit of the striker.

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich to sign French star Franck Ribery, according to reports in Spain.

Ribery has been a long-term target for Barca and the Catalan giants are thought to have a struck a deal with Bayern to sign the 26-year-old winger this summer.

El Mundo Deportivo claims that representatives of the two clubs met with Ribery's agent Alain Migliaccio in Ibiza, agreeing a £30million cash-plus-player deal.

Bayern are believed to have accepted a fee of 25m Euros (£22.3m) plus the choice of either Aleksandr Hleb or Eidur Gudjohnsen, who are valued at 8m Euros (£7.1m).
Four-year deal

The France international has two years left on his Bayern contract and it is thought Barca have offered a four-year deal, although the club are yet to make an official announcement.

Manchester United and Real Madrid have also been linked with a big-money move for Ribery, who cost Bayern a club-record 25m Euros from Marseille in 2007.

Interesting I thought he would join Barca for £30m sounds a sweet deal!

Juventus and Werder Bremen have confirmed that they are in talks regarding Brazilian playmaker Diego.

Juve have been tracking the former Porto man for some time, making the 24-year-old their prime target this summer.

Bremen have been understandably reluctant to open discussions regarding the sale of their prized asset, but have bowed to pressure.

An agreement still remains some way off, but it appears increasingly likely that Diego will be heading to Serie A in the near future.

Juventus officials were in Germany to speak with their Werder counterparts on Wednesday and Bremen boss Klaus Allofs has confirmed that a formal approach from the Italians has been made.

"There has been a meeting and very concrete talks were held," he told Kicker Sportmagazin.
Hopeful

Juve president Giovanni Cobolloi Gigli has also verified that productive talks have taken place between the two clubs, and he remains optimistic that Diego will be in Turin next term.

"We are hoping to be able to close the deal, but it is not closed yet," he said.

The Serie A giants could face competition for Diego's signature from Bayern Munich, who are keen to keep him in the Bundesliga, but Gigli insists he knows nothing of interest from any other parties.

"I don't know (about Bayern's interest) but we are in the process of arranging a transfer," he said.

"However, you (the press) have taught me that in the football world anything can happen as long as nothing has been signed."