football Summer Transfers 2012

[Rappy Veteran]

Arsenal are close to completing a deal to sign Montpellier striker and France international Olivier Giroud for ?12m.

The Gunners are expected to confirm the 25-year-old's arrival this week.

Manager Arsene Wenger intends to play him alongside fellow new signing Lukas Podolski and Dutch striker Robin van Persie in a front three.

The 6ft 3ins forward, who was an unused substitute in France's 1-1 Euro 2012 draw with England, scored 21 goals in his club's run to the Ligue 1 title.

Giroud is one of only two recognised strikers in the French squad, alongside Karim Benzema. He has six caps for his country and one goal.

Earlier this week, Montpellier manager Rene Girard told French radio station RMC that Wenger was leading a chase of top clubs for the striker.

"Arsenal are very interested and Giroud wants to play in England, if Arsene agrees with the president, he will sign for them," he said.

Despite speculation about the future of Van Persie, who is out of contract next summer, it is understood Arsenal want to sign Giroud to play alongside him, rather than as a replacement.

[Rappy Veteran]

West Ham United have agreed personal terms with Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The former Finland international, 37, has played more than 500 games for Wanderers since joining them in the summer of 1997.

He has agreed terms on a one-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months, and will join the Hammers when his Bolton contract expires on 30 June.

Jaaskelainen previously played under Hammers boss Sam Allardyce at Bolton.

[Rappy Veteran]

Robin van Persie has announced he will not be extending his contract at Arsenal, with a statement on his official website reading: "I?ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions."

[Lingwo]

I bet he will be quick to change his mind if Arsenal are fighting for the title this season.

[Scazza]

Sky Bet has suspended taking bets on Luka Modric to Real Madrid this summer amid terms have been agreed!

Sky Bet Twitter

Betting suspended on Tottenham's Luka Modric joining Real Madrid this summer amid talk that terms have been agreed. bit.ly/yNo1ug

[Rappy Veteran]

Modric to Madrid would be awesome move him and make Madrid stronger to take Barca next year

[Rappy Veteran]

Queens Park Rangers have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Park Ji-sung from Manchester United.

The transfer fee is understood to be in the region of ?5m as the 31-year-old had another year left on his contract, which he extended last summer.

The South Korea international has made 133 Premier League appearances for United since joining the club from PSV Eindhoven in 2005, scoring 19 goals.

He won four Premier League titles and the Champions League while at United.

After beginning his professional career with Japanese side Kyoto Purple Sanga, Park impressed during his nation's run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2002, when they were co-hosts.

Such performances saw him follow national team coach Guus Hiddink to PSV Eindhoven, where he played for three years before making a ?4m move to Old Trafford, becoming a reliable wide option for boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

[Rappy Veteran]

[Rappy Veteran]

Andy Carroll set for West Ham move after ?2m loan fee agreed

West Ham United have agreed a ?2m loan fee with Liverpool for Andy Carroll.

The deal for the England striker is with a view to a permanent transfer of ?17m, providing West Ham United stay in the Premier League.

[Rappy Veteran]

Paris Saint-Germain have announced they have reached an agreement with Sao Paulo for the signing of Lucas Moura and the Brazil international will make the move in January 2013.

Manchester United had wanted the midfielder, who is preparing for the Olympic football final, but he opted to join PSG on a four-year contract as part of a massive spending spree.

The French club have already signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva and the ?45million (?35.5m) acquisition of Moura takes the spending on that trio to more than ?120m.

PSG said in a statement: "Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo FC have reached today an agreement for the definitive transfer of Lucas Rodriguez Moura Da Silva.

"The player and Paris Saint-Germain have also signed an agreement from January 2013 to July 2017.

"The player will join Paris Saint-Germain and his new teammates in January 2013 for the second half of the season 2012/2013.

"By signing a young talent of the quality of Lucas Rodriguez Moura Da Silva, Paris Saint-Germain is already preparing the future."