Fabregas urges Villa to join him at Arsenal
David Villa
CESC FABREGAS has called for Spain team-mate David Villa to join him at Arsenal.
Speaking at the The Cesc Fàbregas Show: Nike Live for Sky Sports, the talented midfielder admitted he would love to see the Valencia striker at the Emirates.
Asked by a member of the 400-strong audience which player he would prefer to see in the Gunners side, Fabregas replied: "Villa."
"We are very good friends. I think Villa would be very good for Arsenal," claimed Fabregas.
That admission will no doubt have been noted by manager Arsene Wenger, who was also in attendance.
Villa had recently stated that if he was to move to these shores, Arsenal would be his preferred destination. And after watching his side stumble to a lowly 12th place in La Liga, thus failing to qualify for both the Champions League and UEFA Cup competitions, Villa has become disillusioned with events at the Mestalla and has been linked with a big-money move abroad.
With Chelsea also reportedly interested, it remains to be seen whether Wenger would make an offer, as it would take an offer of at least £25million to prise him away from Valencia.
Speculation growing over possible Arsenal move for Argentine striker
Mauro Zarate
THERE is growing speculation that Arsenal are lining up a bid for Birmingham City striker Mauro Zarate.
The Argentine forward has caught the eye of Arsene Wenger after a series of impressive performances for the Blues, although it wasn't enough to save them from relegation.
Zarate, 21, joined Birmingham on-loan from Qatar club Al-Sadd, but he hopes to remain in the premier league, with Arsenal touted as a potential destination.
Ukizingatia kwamba Birmingham wameshuka daraja hawatosita kukubali kitita chochote kile.
Martins not for sale, Gunners boss warned
Oba
ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has been warned off making a bid for Newcastle forward Obafemi Martins.
Wenger is known to be a keen admirer of the Nigerian (pictured) since the players days at Inter Milan.
And reports have been mounting that the Gunners chief has already launched a £15 million bid for the ace.
But Toon boss Kevin Keegan insists that he has not received any bids for the 23-year-old, and would not welcome them anyway.
"Anyone that goes will be a bit of a blow, especially if something like that happens late on in the summer," Keegan told the Newcastle Chronicle.
"However, Arsenal have definitely not approached me.
"I want to keep all my players and add to them if I can."
Martins, who has three years to run on his contract, joined the Magpies for £10 million in 2006. He has scored 20 goals in 64 games.
Source: Various