Transfer news...

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]Transfer deadline day – live![/h] • Look back at the first part of our deadline-day coverage
• Keep up to date with the Guardian Sport Twitter account
• Email paolo.bandini@guardian.co.uk or Tweet @Paolo_Bandini
• Joe Cole joins Lille on season-long loan
• Tottenham seal £6m deal for West Ham's Scott Parker
• All today's completed deadline day deals

• • reddit this
• Comments (327)

This page will update automatically every minute: On | Off

Transfer window Photograph: Getty, PA, Action Images

7.17pm: I'm hearing that Arsenal have abandoned their interest in Mikel Arteta - both from Sky and our man on the ground Dominic Fifield. All efforts will now go towards sorting out the loan deal for Yossi Benayoun.

It's a done deal! Photograph: Guardian 7.15pm: Wigan have completed the signing of Shaun Maloney on a two-year deal.
7.12pm: My colleague David Hytner has written in to confirm that deals signed today are not subject to medicals. So, if you can't get one done between now and midnight, your only option is basically to take a punt.
7.07pm: While we're on the subject of Tottenham, Sky tell us that Fulham have made a £4m bid for Alan Hutton, but Aston Villa remain favourites to get him.
7.04pm: Time ticks on, and the youths hanging around behind Sky Man At Tottenham seem to be losing a little of their enthusiasm for milling around and gurning at the camera. The latest news is that Tottenham do want Gary Cahill, but that the deal has hit a "stumbling block", and is no more than "50-50".

7.01pm: Good news, folks - it's not just the fans and reporters who stay up all night obsessing over this transfer gubbins. Here's Arsenal's Jack Wilshere:

Watching #DeadLineDay eating Jammy Dodgers! Simon Thomas or Georgie Thompson please give me some good news about Arteta! #ILoveAFC.
​

7pm: One hour to Jim White on Sky Sports News!
6.58pm: "Transfer deadline deals are allowed to be subject to medicals, I thought," says Bobbie Kaufman in response to David Hytner's missive on Sebastian Bassong. "Wasn't Arshavin to Arsenal a few years ago delayed on that basis?" I have to admit I don't know the rulebook on this one, but certainly Alan Curbishley earlier today on Sky Sports News suggested that they weren't.

It's a done deal! Photograph: Guardian 6.51pm: In the spirit of my colleague John Ashdown this morning, I can confirm that I have completed the acquisition of some chips. Sadly gravy could not get down from Manchester in time for the deadline, so I'll be pairing them with ketchup this season. Oh, and here's some actual news: Alexander Hleb (remember him?) has joined Wolfsburg on loan.
6.48pm: "Alas Patrick from Copenhagen (6.17pm) is wrong," parps Gary Naylor. "Christian Poulsen did not play for
Liverpool and Florin Raducioiu did not play for West Ham - as anyone who saw
them at Anfield or Upton Park would confirm."

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

6.44pm: Yossi Benayoun is apparently now "in talks" over a loan move to Arsenal.
6.43pm: Our man in the Midlands Stuart James has filed another update:

Aston Villa are confident of completing the signings of Alan Hutton (permanent) and Jermaine Jenas (loan), with both players due to undergo medicals. That will probably be the lot for Villa, which is about as much as their supporters could have hoped for at the start of the day. The days of Lerner splashing £50m in the window have long gone.
​

6.41pm: Oooh, I thought it was time for my first done deal icon, but sadly not quite. Apparently Stoke have reached agreement with Tottenham over the signing of Peter Crouch BUT the player still has to resolve some financial matters with Spurs before he can officially go. So there you are.

6.38pm: "Can you explain the cut off times for transfer window," asks @HairmanWNO on Twitter. "Italy closed at 6pm UK. I assumed it would be uniform across Europe?" I certainly can. Essentially, while Italian clubs could technically keep signing players up until the same time as everyone else, the Italian football authorities are basically unwilling to stay up all night facilitating such nonsense. Instead, they themselves inform clubs of the time at which they will stop ratifying deals, and the clubs have to abide by it.
6.35pm: Speaking of players leaving Tottenham, here's our man David Hytner with news on Sebastian Bassong.
Sebastien Bassong will sign for QPR. The Tottenham defender has been looking for a move since the end of last season, having slipped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, and his preference has always been to remain in London, where he and his family are settled. After a nervous and frustrating wait, Tottenham have given the green light on the deal although, given that Bassong is in currently in Cameroon, ahead of his nation's game against Mauritius, it does beg the question about his medical .

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

6.32pm: Another email. Here's Gary Stanley: "With Harry apparently selling Crouch, Palacios, Hutton and Jenas, I think I speak for all Spurs fans when I ask - who is arriving that we haven't heard about yet?" Well, I've heard the name Gary Cahill being thrown about in the last hour, but not by anyone speaking from any sort of position of authority.
6.29pm: Hold your horses Bendnter fans, Sky Sports News are reporting that he could wind up at Sunderland, after they gave up hopes of getting Peter Crouch. Then again, the basis for this claim seemed to revolve mostly around the fact they are "very similar types of player". Which, beyond being a bit tall, they basically aren't.
6.24pm: THE TRANSFER WINDOW IS NOW SHUT. Well it is in Italy, anyway, where they have a far more civilised approach to these things. The big deals today included Inter taking former Birmingham grump Mauro Zarate on loan (with a rather pricey option to buy), and Roma gobbling up Simon Kjaer, Miralem Pjanic and Fernando Gago. Sorry Denmark, Nicklas Bendtner is not on that list.
6.18pm: The folks in the Sky studio are beginning to get delirious. Georgie Thompson grins "it wasn't me" after her colleague gripes about a camera shot. He pauses, then roars with laughter before declaring it "Good banter!" Anyway, here's another missive from Dermark. "Could you possibly spread the news, that Denmark is getting pretty desperate about Nicklas Bendtner and are willing to settle for anything," declares Jens Andersen. "We need our one good striker (laugh all you want) to sign for ... whoever wants to give him some minutes on the pitch. Fast. According to some sources here in Denmark, B52 has recently been linking himself to both Atlético Madrid and Juventus during a drinking spree in Copenhagen. Keep your pants on, Bendtner. This time not only litterally. Less will do. Less will do indeed."
6.17pm: Like facts? Patrick from Copenhagen (catchy name, by the way) is your man: "Christian Poulsen's move to Evian means that he is the second player in history to play in all five of the big leagues (Schalke 04 in Germany, Sevilla in Spain, Juventus in Italy, Liverpool in England and now Evian in France) – at least his move is historic! The first player was Romanian striker Florin Raducioiu who played for AC Milan, Espanyol, West Ham, VfB Stuttgart and AS Monaco."
6.14pm: We've just seen Sky Lady Who Isn't Jim White chasing Neil Warnock into the building at Loftus Road. Warnock says he will be making "no more than five" signings between now and the end of the day. The scamp.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

6.09pm: Evening folks - I shall be indeed your guide for what is now officially being referred to as The Jim White shift. Sky Sports News have been excitedly previewing the arrival of their very own Silver Fox since some time last week, and a little while back we even got footage of him entering the building. Even though he doesn't start his presenting until 8pm. But when he does ... oh, that's when you know it's really business time.

6.04pm: I do believe you're up to date. So with that, I'm off home. Paolo Bandini will hold your hand and guide you through the rest of the night.
5.59pm: We're told that Twente have confirmed the sale of Bryan Ruiz to Fulham, for £10.6m. It won't get the "done deal" rubber stamp until I see it with my own eyes, though.
5.55pm: Arteta would have been a great signing for Arsenal two years ago. Still a fine player, but recent injuries has reduced his dynamism. If Everton are willing and able to spend the money on a decent striker, it might be a decent bit of business for them. Other new rumours: Sebastien Bassong could move from Tottenham to QPR; Yossi Benayoun is – contrary to earlier talk in Israel – going to Arsenal.
5.50pm: Michael Docherty writes: "Regarding David Hytner's comments, I was under the impression that, being under 23, Lansbury would be exempt from the usual free transfer/approaching end of contract rules?" Yes, I do believe you're right.

5.49pm: Former Tottenham and Wolves midfielder Rohan Ricketts has signed for Shamrock Rovers, as has Jim Paterson, the former Motherwell defender who – I seem to recall – was at one stage pretty hot on Championship Manager or whatever it was called then, but is now 31.
5.44pm: Scottish FA press-release small-print update from Ewan Murray: "Amusingly, the Scottish FA has now amended it's statement to omit the words 'Aston' and 'Villa'. It reads: 'Alan Hutton given permission to leave camp to discuss possible transfer. Will return for training tomorrow.'

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Done deal (second attempt) 5.43pm: Coventry's Ben Turner has moved to Cardiff on a three-year deal. There's a picture of him showcasing his new shirt and an extremely mean glare on the Bluebirds' website. 5.41pm: "What's the word on Clint Dempsey's transfer to Arsenal?" asks Greg Armstrong. No word, Greg. Nothing since the rumours first surfaced yesterday, and it seems that they're currently focusing on Mikel Arteta. 5.36pm: David Hytner, one of our roving reporters pounding the streets of London, writes: "Henri Lansbury, out of contract at Arsenal next summer, will spend the season on loan at West Ham United. So Arsenal appear content to lose an England Under-21 midfielder as a Bosman free agent." Crikey. Done deal (second attempt) 5.36pm: As trailed back in July, Liverpool have completed the signing of United States Under-18 striker Villyan Bijev from California Odyssey, and packed him straight off on loan to German side Fortuna Dusseldorf until he can get a work permit. 5.30pm: When I said earlier that Watford had completed a deal for Joel Garner, I did indeed mean Joe Garner, the 23-year-old footballer, and not Joel Garner, the 58-year-old former West Indies cricketer. Thanks to everyone who pointed that out. 5.28pm: Confirmation from our man in Scotland, Ewan Murray, that Alan Hutton could well be on his way somewhere: "Scotland have given Alan Hutton permission to leave their camp until tomorrow. They say to 'discuss transfer to Aston Villa.' Although the 'other club' I mentioned earlier appears to be Fulham." Arsenal's new signing André Santos André Santos showcases his new Arsenal shirt. And a cheesy grin. Photograph: Stuart Macfarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images 5.24pm: Peter Crouch's dad is on his way to Stoke, to discuss whether his son might be able to be just as good as Cameron Jerome when it comes to fluffing sitters. And here is photographic evidence that Arsenal have signed someone. Fee agreed 5.21pm: Cameron Jerome is at the Britannia Stadium discussing personal terms with Stoke, after a £4m fee was agreed with Birmingham.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

5.43pm: Coventry's Ben Turner has moved to Cardiff on a three-year deal. There's a picture of him showcasing his new shirt and an extremely mean glare on the Bluebirds' website.
5.41pm: "What's the word on Clint Dempsey's transfer to Arsenal?" asks Greg Armstrong. No word, Greg. Nothing since the rumours first surfaced yesterday, and it seems that they're currently focusing on Mikel Arteta.
5.36pm: David Hytner, one of our roving reporters pounding the streets of London, writes: "Henri Lansbury, out of contract at Arsenal next summer, will spend the season on loan at West Ham United. So Arsenal appear content to lose an England Under-21 midfielder as a Bosman free agent." Crikey.

5.36pm: As trailed back in July, Liverpool have completed the signing of United States Under-18 striker Villyan Bijev from California Odyssey, and packed him straight off on loan to German side Fortuna Dusseldorf until he can get a work permit.
5.30pm: When I said earlier that Watford had completed a deal for Joel Garner, I did indeed mean Joe Garner, the 23-year-old footballer, and not Joel Garner, the 58-year-old former West Indies cricketer. Thanks to everyone who pointed that out.
5.28pm: Confirmation from our man in Scotland, Ewan Murray, that Alan Hutton could well be on his way somewhere: "Scotland have given Alan Hutton permission to leave their camp until tomorrow. They say to 'discuss transfer to Aston Villa.' Although the 'other club' I mentioned earlier appears to be Fulham."

André Santos showcases his new Arsenal shirt. And a cheesy grin. Photograph: Stuart Macfarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images 5.24pm: Peter Crouch's dad is on his way to Stoke, to discuss whether his son might be able to be just as good as Cameron Jerome when it comes to fluffing sitters. And here is photographic evidence that Arsenal have signed someone.

5.21pm: Cameron Jerome is at the Britannia Stadium discussing personal terms with Stoke, after a £4m fee was agreed with Birmingham.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

5.20pm: Here's the full story on Craig Bellamy's impending move to Liverpool.
5.19pm: Elliot Carr-Barnsley writes: "Speaking for all my fellow Villa fans, I can't express my delight enough at the signing of Enda Stevens from Shamrock Rovers. Signing such a prospect and loaning him out is exactly what the club needs to quell the outrageous calls from fans for such things as 'Big Names', 'Quality Signings' and 'First Team Players'."
5.18pm: Apparently Chelsea are making a shock late bid for 26-year-old Cesena midfielder Marco Parolo.
5.13pm: Dear Sky, what are "circles in London known to be close to Peter Crouch"? Apparently, those circles have informed Sky that he doesn't know if he's moving to Sunderland or not.
5.10pm: More on that Stevens deal from Stuart James, our man in the midlands: "Stevens will stay on with Shamrock until the end of their season, which means he will be free to play for them in the Europa League group stage before linking up with Villa in January. Do you have an icon for this type of deal, Mr Burnton?" That's a handshake, for sure.

5.06pm: This just in from Aston Villa: "The Club can confirm that agreement has been reached with Shamrock Rovers for the transfer of Enda Stevens to Aston Villa in January 2012." He's a 21-year-old Ireland Under-21 international defender, we're told.

Vicente, Gus Poyet and a kid in a Brighton shirt. Photograph: An email, via a message board. Frankly we've no idea 5.05pm: We've heard nothing since this morning on the rumour of free-transfer Valencia winger Vicente joining Brighton, but here's some photographic evidence that something's going on. I'm told it was taken today at a Brighton restaurant.
5.00pm: Arsenal are being linked with a late move for Everton's Mikel Arteta.

4.57pm: And Joel Garner has completed his move from Nottingham Forest to Watford on a two-year deal. Which means that if he's any good they'll have to sell him next summer.
4.56pm: Sky are reporting that West Ham have signed David Bentley on a season-long loan. Another eye-catching move from them, if true. They have a serious wage bill this season.

A twitter-based dig at Amit Bhatia's former QPR boardroom 'chums'. Photograph: Twitter

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

4.53pm: I believe this is a genuine Twitter account. If so, it's straight in at No1 in the "sly dig of the day" charts.
4.49pm: I'm getting reports from Israel (specifically someone called Sharon in Tel Aviv) that Yossi Benayoun is close to joining Bellamy in rejoining Liverpool. Someone on Sky Sports News just referred to tonight as "this night of all nights". I almost choked on my bourbon, I really did.

4.44pm: Fulham have made a surprise £4m bid for Tottenham's Alan Hutton, according to Sky.
4.39pm: Everton are going to sign someone you might have heard of! By which I mean, there's an article in Spanish paper As saying they are going to get Real Madrid outcast Royston Drenthe. Meanwhile – Ian Rush ... Robbie Fowler ... Craig Bellamy – what is it with Liverpool re-signing former strikers?
4.35pm: I'm in the market for more photos of people posing with new shirts. Let me know if you spot any good 'uns.

4.34pm: Fulham have completed the signing of former Juventus defender Zdenek Grygera on a free transfer.
4.31pm: West Ham have signed Papa Bouba Diop and Henri Lansbury, the latter on loan for the season.
4.29pm: Florent Malouda, who had been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham, has refused to leave Stamford Bridge. Currently with the France squad preparing to play Albania on Friday, this is what he had to say on the subject today: "I've always been clear in my choices. It's going to be very difficult to take me out of my club. I've still got two years left on my Chelsea contract. My objective is to extend by one year until the 2014 World Cup. That hasn't changed and it won't change tonight."
If Liverpool complete the signing of Craig Bellamy, would it be:



GeniusMadnessNot great, but at least he's better than N'Gog
VoteView ResultsShare ThisPolldaddy.com









4.24pm: Craig Bellamy to Liverpool, eh?

4.21pm: And yet more from Andy Hunter: "Shaun Wright-Phillips isn't going anywhere yet. He's still looking for a pay-off from Manchester City before agreeing to undergo a medical with QPR. Owen Hargreaves should complete his move to City today, although as a free agent he has until Friday to sign a contract."
4.20pm: Sky are now saying that reports of Asamoah Gyan asking for a transfer are "categorically untrue".

4.19pm: Here's another missive from our Liverpool-based correspondent, Andy Hunter: "Christian Poulsen has completed a permanent transfer to Evian Thonon Gaillard, 12 months after arriving at Liverpool for £5.5m. That leaves only Raul Meireles and Brad Jones of Roy Hodgson's signings at the club (Danny Wilson was agreed before Hodgson arrived)." Meireles might not be there long either, if current talk about a move to Chelsea proves accurate.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

4.53pm: I believe this is a genuine Twitter account. If so, it's straight in at No1 in the "sly dig of the day" charts.
4.49pm: I'm getting reports from Israel (specifically someone called Sharon in Tel Aviv) that Yossi Benayoun is close to joining Bellamy in rejoining Liverpool. Someone on Sky Sports News just referred to tonight as "this night of all nights". I almost choked on my bourbon, I really did.

4.44pm: Fulham have made a surprise £4m bid for Tottenham's Alan Hutton, according to Sky.
4.39pm: Everton are going to sign someone you might have heard of! By which I mean, there's an article in Spanish paper As saying they are going to get Real Madrid outcast Royston Drenthe. Meanwhile – Ian Rush ... Robbie Fowler ... Craig Bellamy – what is it with Liverpool re-signing former strikers?
4.35pm: I'm in the market for more photos of people posing with new shirts. Let me know if you spot any good 'uns.

4.34pm: Fulham have completed the signing of former Juventus defender Zdenek Grygera on a free transfer.
4.31pm: West Ham have signed Papa Bouba Diop and Henri Lansbury, the latter on loan for the season.
4.29pm: Florent Malouda, who had been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham, has refused to leave Stamford Bridge. Currently with the France squad preparing to play Albania on Friday, this is what he had to say on the subject today: "I've always been clear in my choices. It's going to be very difficult to take me out of my club. I've still got two years left on my Chelsea contract. My objective is to extend by one year until the 2014 World Cup. That hasn't changed and it won't change tonight."
If Liverpool complete the signing of Craig Bellamy, would it be:



GeniusMadnessNot great, but at least he's better than N'Gog
VoteView ResultsShare ThisPolldaddy.com









4.24pm: Craig Bellamy to Liverpool, eh?

4.21pm: And yet more from Andy Hunter: "Shaun Wright-Phillips isn't going anywhere yet. He's still looking for a pay-off from Manchester City before agreeing to undergo a medical with QPR. Owen Hargreaves should complete his move to City today, although as a free agent he has until Friday to sign a contract."
4.20pm: Sky are now saying that reports of Asamoah Gyan asking for a transfer are "categorically untrue".

4.19pm: Here's another missive from our Liverpool-based correspondent, Andy Hunter: "Christian Poulsen has completed a permanent transfer to Evian Thonon Gaillard, 12 months after arriving at Liverpool for £5.5m. That leaves only Raul Meireles and Brad Jones of Roy Hodgson's signings at the club (Danny Wilson was agreed before Hodgson arrived)." Meireles might not be there long either, if current talk about a move to Chelsea proves accurate.
4.19pm: Hello! We're back – and this time we're here to stay (hopefully)!
Welcome back to our live coverage of transfer deadline day. What you've missed from the first part of our live blog:
• Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole joins Lille on season-long loan deal.
• Scott Parker completes £6m switch to Tottenham from West Ham.
• Arsenal complete deal for Fenerbahce defender André Santos.
• Sunderland's Anton Ferdinand set for medical at QPR; Stoke agree fee with Birmingham for Cameron Jerome; Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen signs for Evian.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]Who's in and who's out at YOUR club? Every Prem League deal of the summer so far[/h]

By Mirror Football in Football Spy
Published 07:30 17/07/11

• (3)
• Recommend (4)
  
  

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opi...Chelsea-Tottenham-Arsenal-article769380.html#

Having trouble keeping on top of the frantic summer transfer activity? Here's our handy guide to who YOUR side has signed so far.
And don't forget to tune in to MirrorFootball's daily transfer gossip video show - Football Spy, presented by our very own Darren Lewis - for all the latest news and views every single day,
Arsenal
In: Carl Jenkinson (Charlton), signed for £1m; Gervinho (Lille), £10.7m; Joel Campbell (Saprissa), undisclosed fee; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Sounthampton), £15m; Park Chu-Young (Monaco), £3m; Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), £6.2m.
Out: Gael Clichy (Man City), £7m; Mark Randall (Chesterfield), free; Tom Cruise and Roarie Deacon (released); Wellington (Levante), season-long loan; Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (Ipswich Town), £1.5m; Denilson (Sao Paulo), loan; Emmanuel Eboue (Galatasaray), £3m; Jamie Edge (West Brom), free; Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), £35m; Samir Nasri (Man City), £22m; Armand Traore (QPR), £1.2m; Henri Lansbury (West Ham), loan; Joel Cambell (Lorient), loan; Gilles Sunu (Lorient), permanent move sealed after loan period; Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad), season-long loan; Pedro Botelho (Rayo Vallecano), loan.

Aston Villa
In: Charles N'Zogbia (Wigan), £9.5m; Shay Given (Man City), £3.5m; Nathan Delfouneso (Burnley), loan expired; Enda Stevens (Shamrock Rovers), move to complete in Jan 2012.
Out: Ashley Young (Man United), £16m; Stewart Downing (Liverpool), £20m; Brad Friedel (Tottenham), free; Nigel Reo-Coker (Bolton), free; John Carew (released); Moustapha Salifou (released); Robert Pires (released); Isaiah Osbourne (released); Harry Forrester (released); Arsenio Halfhuid (released); Durrell Berry (unattached), free; Ellis Deeney (released); Calum Flanagan (released); Luke Young (QPR), undisclosed; Jonathan Hogg (Watford), undisclosed.
Blackburn
In: Myles Anderson (Aberdeen), free; David Goodwillie (Dundee), £2m; Bruno Ribeiro (unattached), free; Radosav Petrovic (Partizan Belgrade), free; Simon Vukcevic (Sporting), undisclosed.
Out: Phil Jones (Man United), £16.5m; Frankie Fielding (Derby), £400k; Jordan Bowen (released); Jason Brown (Aberdeen), free; Zurab Khizanishvili (Kayserispor), free; Marceo Rigters (released); Michael Potts (released); Benjani Mwarurawi (released); Jake Kean (Rochdale), loan; Nikola Kalinic (Dnipro), undisclosed.
Bolton
In: Darren Pratley (Swansea), free; Tyrone Mears & Chris Eagles (Burnley), £3m (joint fee); Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa), free.
Out: Ali Al Habsi (Wigan), £4m; Johan Elmander (Galatasaray), free; J Lloyd Samuel (released); Joey O'Brien (released); Tamir Cohen (released); Sam Sheridan (released); Masion McGeechan (released); Danny Ward (Huddersfield), undisclosed; Matt Taylor (West Ham), £2.2m.
Chelsea
In: Lucas Piazon (Sao Paulo), up to £8m; Thibaud Courtois (Genk), £5m; Oriol Romeu (Barcelona), undisclosed; Romelu Lukaku (Anderlecht), £20m; Juan Mata (Valencia), £23.5m; Ulises Davila Piascencia (Chivas), undisclosed.
Out: Thibaud Courtois (Atletico Madrid), loan; Jack Cork (Southampton), £750k; Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburg), loan; Sam Walker (Northampton), loan; Michael Mancienne (Hamburg), £3m; Jacopo Sala (Hamburg), free; Gokhan Tore (Hamburg), £1m; Sam Hutchinson (retired); Michael Woods (released); Danny Philliskirk (Sheffield United), free; Yuri Zhirkov (Anzhi Makhachkala), undisclosed; Siobodan Rajkovic (Hamburg), undisclosed; Ulises Davila (Vitesse), season-long loan.
Everton
In: Eric Dier (Sporting Lisbon), year-long loan.
Out: James Vaughan (Norwich), £2.5m; John Nolan (Stockport County), free transfer; Iain Turner (released); Nathan Craig (released); Gerard Kinsella (released); Lee McArdle (released); Kieran Agard (Yeovil), free; Hope Akpan (Crawley), free; Luke Dobie (released); Tom Donegan (Fulham), free; Shane Duffy (Scunthorpe), loan.
Fulham
In: Dan Burn (Darlington), undisclosed fee; John-Arne Riise (Roma), £2.4m; Csaba Somogyi (Rakospalotai EAC), free transfer; Tom Donegan (Everton), free; Pajtim Kasami (Palermo), £4m; Marcel Gecov (Slovan Liberec), £700k; Zdenek Grygera (Juventus), free.
Out: Zoltan Gera (WBA), free; Diomansy Kamara (Eskisehirspor), free; John Pantsil (Leicester), free; Eddie Johnson (released); Matthew Saunders (released); Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace), undisclosed; David Stockdale (Ipswich), loan; Jonathan Greening (Notts Forest), £670k; Pascal Zuberbuhler (released).
Liverpool
In: Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), £16m; Charlie Adam (Blackpool), £8m; Stewart Downing (Aston Villa), £20m; Alexander Doni (Roma), free; Jose Enrique (Newcastle), £6.3m; Sebastian Coates (Nacional), £7m; Villyan Bijev (California Odyssey), free.
Out: Paul Konchesky (Leicester), £1.5m; Stephen Darby (Rochdale), season-long loan; Jason Banton (released); Deale Chamberlain (released); Douglas Cooper (released); Sean Highdale (released); Steven Irwin (released); Nikola Saric (released); Peter Gulacsi (Hull), loan; Martin Hansen (Bradford City), loan; Dean Bouzanis (Melbourne Victory), free; Daniel Ayala (Norwich), £800k; Milan Jovanovic (Anderlecht), free; Sotirios Kyrgiakos (VFL Wolfsburg), free; Emiliano Insua (Sporting), free; Joe Cole (Lille), loan; Christian Poulsen (Evian), undisclosed; Villyan Bijev (Fortuna Dortmund), season-long loan.
Manchester City
In: Stefan Savic (Partizan Belgrade), £6m; Gael Clichy (Arsenal), £7m; Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), £38m; Costel Pantilimon (Poli Timisoara), undisclosed; Samir Nasri (Arsenal), £22m.
Out: Patrick Vieira (retired); Javier Garrido (released); Shaleum Logan (Brentford) free; Scott Kay (Macclesfield), free; Javan Vidal (released); Andrew Tutte (Rochdale), free; James Wood (released); David Gonzalez (Aberdeen), six-month loan; James Poole (Hartlepool), free; Abdisalam Ibrahim (NEC), loan; Michael Johnson (Leicester), loan; Kieran Trippier (Burnley), loan; Jo (Internacional), undisclosed; Shay Given (Aston Villa), £3.5m; Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), £11.8m; Donal McDermott (Huddersfield), undisclosed; Felipe Caicedo (Levante), £880k; Ben Mee (Burnley), loan; Ryan McGivern (Crystal Palace), loan; Ryan McGivern (Bristol City), season-long loan; John Guidetti (Feyenoord), season-long loan.
Manchester United
In: Ashley Young (Aston Villa), £17m; Phil Jones (Blackburn), £16.5m; David De Gea (Atletico Madrid), £17.8m; Pierluigi Gollini (Fiorentina), free.
Out: Paul Scholes (retired); Owen Hargreaves (released); Edwin van der Sar (retired); Gary Neville (retired); Bebe (Besiktas), loan; Ritchie De Laet (Norwich City), loan; Joe Dudgeon (Hull), undisclosed; Corry Evans (Hull), undisclosed; Conor Devlin (released); Ryan Tunnicliffe (Peterborough), loan; Scott Wootton (Peterborough), loan; Nicky Ajose (Peterborough), undisclosed; Wes Brown (Sunderland), £1m; John O'Shea (Sunderland), £4m; Oliver Gill (released); Robbie Brady (Hull), loan; Gabriel Obertan (Newcastle), £3m.
Newcastle
In: Yohan Cabaye (Lille), £4,3m; Demba Ba (West Ham), free; Sylvain Marveaux (Rennes), free; Mehdi Abeid (Lens), undisclosed; Gabriel Obertan (Man Utd), £3m; Robert Elliot (Charlton), £100k; Davide Santon (Inter), £5.3m.
Out: Kevin Nolan (West Ham), £4m; Sol Campbell (released); Shefki Kuqi (released); Patrick McLaughlin (released); Ben Tozer (Northampton), free; Kazenga Lua Lua (Brighton), loan; Jose Enrique (Liverpool), £6.3m.
Norwich
In: James Vaughan (Everton), £2.5m; Steve Morison (Millwall), £2.8m; Elliott Bennett (Brighton), undisclosed fee; Ritchie De Laet, (Manchester United) season-long loan; Anthony Pilkington (Huddersfield), £2m; Bradley Johnson (Leeds), free; Kyle Naughton (Tottenham), loan; Daniel Ayala (Liverpool), £800k.
Out: Matt Gill (Bristol Rovers), free; Jens Berthel Askou (released); Sam Habergham (Tamworth), free; Owain Tudur Jones (Inverness), undisclosed; Jed Steer (Yeovil), loan; Luke Daley (Plymouth), free; Steven Smith (Aberdeen), loan; Tom Adeyemi (Oldham), loan.
QPR
In: Kieron Dyer (West Ham), free; Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff), free; Danny Gabbidon (West Ham), free; DJ Campbell (Blackpool), undisclosed; Bruno Perone (unattached), free; Brian Murphy (unattached), free; Joey Barton (Newcastle), free; Luke Young (Aston Villa), undisclosed; Armand Traore (Arsenal), £1.2m.
Out: Lee Brown (Bristol Rovers), free; Pascal Chimbonda (released); Elliott Cox (released); Gavin Mahon (released); Joe Oastler (Torquay), free; Josh Parker (released); Romone Rose (released); Georgias Tofas (Anagennisi Dherynia), free; Mikele Leigertwood (Reading), free; Angelo Balanta (MK Dons), loan; Max Ehmer (Yeovil), loan; Leon Clarke (Swindon), free; Kaspars Gorkss (Reading), £350k.
Stoke City
In: Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham), free; Matthew Upson (West Ham), free.
Out: Abdoulaye Faye (West Ham), free; Eidur Gudjohnsen (AEK Athens), free; Ibrahima Sonko (released); Carl Dickinson (Watford), undisclosed; Matthew Lund (Oldham), loan; Andrew Davies (Crystal Palace), loan.
Sunderland
In: Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham), free; Kieren Westwood (Coventry), free; Connor Wickham (Ipswich), £8.1m; Craig Gardner (Birmingham), £5m; Ji Dong-won (Chunnam Dragons), £2m; Wes Brown (Manchester United), £1m; John O'Shea (Manchester United), £4m; David Vaughan (Blackpool), free; Ahmed Elmohamady (ENPPI), £2m; Roarie Deacon (Arsenal/unattached), free; Oumare Tounkara (Oldham), loan expired; James McClean (Derry City), £350k.
Out: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), £16m; Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor), loan; **** Zenden (released); Michael Kay (Tranmere), free; Nathan Luscombe (Hartlepool), free; Daniel Madden (released); Robert Weir (Tranmere), free; Nathan Wilson (released); Jean-Yves Mvoto (Oldham), free; Liam Noble (Carlisle), loan; David Healy (Rangers), free; Steed Malbranque (St Etienne), undisclosed.
Swansea
In: Danny Graham (Watford), £3.5m; Jose Moreira (Benfica), undisclosed fee; Steve Caulker (Tottenham), loan; Leroy Lita (Middlesbrough), £1.75m; Michael Vorm (FC Utrecht), £1.5m; Wayne Routledge (Newcastle), undisclosed; Gerhard Tremmel (unattached), free.
Out: Dorus de Vries (Wolves), free; Darren Pratley (Bolton), free; Scott Donnelly (Wycombe), loan; Cedric van der Gun, (released); Jamie Grimes (released); Yves Ma-Kalambay (released); Albert Serran (AEK Larnaca) free; Kerry Morgan (Neath) free; Gorka Pintado (released); Ryan Harley (Brighton), £250k; Shaun MacDonald (Bournemouth), £80k.
Tottenham
In: Brad Friedel (Aston Villa), free; Cristian Ceballos (Barcelona), free; Souleymane Coulibaly (Siena), undisclosed; Scott Parker (West Ham), £5m.
Out: Jonathan Woodgate (Stoke), free; Jamie O'Hara (Wolves), £5m; Steve Caulker (Swansea), loan; Kyle Naughton (Norwich), loan; Bongani Khumalo (Reading), loan; Nathan Byrne (Bournemouth), loan; Ryan Mason (Doncaster), loan; Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), undisclosed; David Bentley (West Ham), loan.
West Brom
In: Billy Jones (Preston), free; Gareth McAuley (Ipswich), free; Zoltan Gera (Fulham), free; Ben Foster (Birmingham), loan; Jamie Edge (Arsenal), free; Shane Long (Reading), undisclosed; Martin Fulop (Ipswich), free.
Out: Giles Barnes (released); Abdoulaye Meite (Dijon), free; Gianni Zuiverloon (Mallorca), free; Borja Valero (Villarreal), loan deal made permanent; Scott Carson (Bursaspor), £2.1m; Boaz Myhill (Birmingham), loan; Marcus Haber (St Johnstone), undisclosed; Ryan Allsop (Millwall), undisclosed; Ishmael Miller (Notts Forest), £1.2m; James Hurst (Blackpool), season-long loan.
Wigan
In: Ali Al Habsi (Bolton), £4m; David Jones (Wolves), free; Nouha Dicko (Strasbourg), free; Albert Crusat (Almeria), undisclosed; Shaun Maloney (Celtic) £850k.
Out: Jason Koumas (released); Steven Caldwell (Birmingham), free; Daniel De Ridder (Grasshopper), free; Joseph Holt (released); Thomas Lambert (released); Thomas Oakes (released); Francis Pollitt (released); Abian Serrano Davila (released); Charles N'Zogbia (Aston Villa), £9.5m; Antonio Amaya (Real Betis), undisclosed; Mauro Boselli (Estudiantes), loan.
Wolves
In: Jamie O'Hara (Tottenham), £5m; Dorus de Vries (Swansea), free; Roger Johnson (Birmingham City), £7m.
Out: Adriano Basso (Hull), free; John Dunleavy (released); Marcus Hahnemann (released); David Jones (Wigan), free; Nathan Rooney (released); Steven Mouyokolo (Sochaux), season-long loan; Greg Halford (Portsmouth), undisclosed; Danny Batth (Sheffield Wednesday), loan; Scott Malone (Bournemouth), loan; Carl Ikeme (Middlesbrough), loan; Stefan Maierhofer (SV Salzburg), £1m.

​

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]Bargain of the summer? What Arsenal fans can actually expect from Park Chu-Young[/h]

By Andrew Gibney in Football Spy
Published 11:29 28/08/11

• (8)
• Recommend (11)
  
  

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opi...n-expect-by-Andrew-Gibney-article792143.html#

Football Spy has signed up some of the web's top foreign football experts to provide you with first-hand information on the latest Premier League transfer targets. Here's French football expert Andrew Gibney on Arsenal target Park Chu-Young...
***
The sleepy region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais awoke on Saturday morning to rumours of Lille's favourite Belgian son Eden Hazard apparently turning up in London for a medical. Was the move to Arsenal finally on? Quickly these rumours were dashed when Hazard's teammate Aurelian Chedjou posted a picture on twitter of Hazard and himself posing in the LOSC changing room after a morning training session.
All was well with the French Champions….or so they thought. Lille officials were shocked when they sent a car to a hotel in the city centre to collect South Korean international Park Chu-Young and take him to the Luchin training centre for a medical and to possibly sign a contract. On arrival at the hotel it was discovered that Park had left. Where was he? En route to Arsenal!

Arsenal close to completing £10m capture of South Korea captain
From right under Lille's nose Arsenal could be about to pick up one of the best bargains of the summer. Currently contracted to the recently relegated AS Monaco the deal Lille had apparently agree was for €3m up-front and an extra €2m if Park does not have to leave to serve National Service back in Korea in two years time.
Last season Park scored 12 goals in Ligue 1 and was one of a few stand-out players in a very poor Monaco side. The issue of National Service, Monaco's position in Ligue 2 and Park's desire to play in a top team have brought the fee right down and makes the forward quite an excellent bargain.
Park Chu-Young, 26, joined Monaco back in 2008. After playing in the Beijing Olympics he signed on the September 1. Only twelve days later he scored his first goal and set up another for Frédéric Nimani as Monaco won 2-0 and Park was named Man of the Match.
Signed from FC Seoul after scoring 23 goals in 69 games, Park has quickly become one of the most celebrated players in his country. Bursting onto the scene as an unknown 19-year old his fantastic performances led Korea to the 2004 AFC Youth Championship for the 11th time. He was voted the tournament's MVP and picked up the Golden Ball Award.
The country's hysteria with Park grew even further when he was voted Asian Young Footballer of the Year after an impressive run of games against China, Ukraine, Algeria and Japan in an eight-team tournament played in Qatar. His nine goals in four games for the U-20 side led them to victory.
It's no surprise that in the years that followed he has risen through the ranks of the national team. Scoring goals for the U-20s, U-23s and then eventually making his full national team debut in 2005. Disappointingly he only played once in the 2006 World Cup although he did pick up the Man of the Match award for his 63 minute performance against Switzerland.
Once the big move to Europe finally materialised it didn't take him long to impress the Monegasques fans and he quickly became a favourite throughout Ligue 1. Starting as a wide player he was able to show his ability with the ball at his feet. Quick along the ground, with great balance and little moments that show the skill he possessed with the ball at his feet.
Many strikers came and left the Stade Louis II but Park remained. With five goals in his first season and eight in his second it was easy to see his style suiting the league and the South Korean was beginning to flourish. When the 2010/11 season came around Park was Monaco's leading front-man and he began to show his aerial presence as a lone striker.
His impressive leap and strong physique make him a dangerous aerial presence. Adept from dead-ball situations even though Monaco were relegated, Park impressed and managed to find the net twelve times last season.
Ever since Park made the move west his abilities have grown and grown with every season, but unfortunately the AS Monaco team was going in the other direction. Long gone are the Didier Deschamps days when the club made the Champions League final. Since Park's arrival he has played under three different managers in only three seasons.
Years of bad leadership at the top and poor management at the club has led to their demise. Relegated to Ligue 2 last season this was not the time for a player with the talents of Park Chu-Young to be playing second tier football.
After missing out of the 2011 Asian Cup through injury, a season in Ligue 2 could have seen him fall off the radar altogether, so a move to the high-profile English Premier League could be exactly what he needs to keep his career on track.
Already a superstar in his own country the nation of South Korea will be delighted to see Park join one of the most popular leagues in the world. It will be very interesting to see where Arsenal go for their pre-season tour next year...
South Korea anyone?

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]The next Roberto Carlos? What Arsenal fans can expect from Andre Santos[/h]

By Mirror Football in Football Spy
Published 16:56 30/08/11

• 
• Recommend (7)
  
  

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opi...t-from-Brazilian-defender-article793323.html#

Football Spy has signed up some of the web's top foreign football experts to provide you with first-hand information on the latest Premier League transfer targets. Here's guest writer Christopher Atkins on prospective Arsenal signing Andre Santos.
***
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is finally showing his hand in the transfer window following the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri and the 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United on Sunday.
First in was Korean striker Park Chu-Young , adding to the Gunners' options in attack, and it now appears that Wenger is making a move for international defenders Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos.

While the German's will be a familiar name to most football fans in Britain, left-back Santos' might not be - despite his 22 Brazil caps.
Straight out of the Brazilian school of full-backs, attacking is Santos' primary trade.
His left foot is capable of unleashing powerful shots on goal, as well as whipped crosses into the box that the likes of Robin Van Persie and Park will no doubt be anticipating with glee.
Santos made his name in Brazil at Figueirense but a 2008 move to Corinthians really propelled him to the big time.
In just a year and half at the Sao Paulo outfit under current Brazil manager Mano Menezes, the full-back won the Serie B Championship, the Brazilian Cup and the Sao Paulo State Championship.
A move to Europe saw Santos joining the Brazilian contingent at Turkish giants Fenerbahce - one of whom was a certain Roberto Carlos.
The Brazilian legend eventually lost his place in the team to the dynamic new arrival and returned to Brazil.
The significance of this event would not have been lost on any Brazilian fan.
Carlos' shadow has hung over every Brazilian left-back since his retirement and, given Santos attacking style, as well as his strong, powerful build, the comparisons were even more inevitable.
And while there's no doubt Santos is an improvement on Arsene Wenger's current full-back options, the Fenerbahce man has yet to convince many in his homeland.
For all his attacking threat, Santos has defensive deficiencies that explain his inability to make the Brazil left-back slot as his own.
Given his propensity to surge forward down the left, it will be no surprise to learn that positioning is not always the 28-year-old's strong-point.
It is a common flaw among Brazilian full-backs - who are in many cases expected to provide all the width for a side's attack – and is often counter-acted by the inclusion of two holding midfielders.
Another accusation commonly levied at Santos is that he suffers from lapses in concentration.
He was dropped from Brazil's squad for the upcoming friendly with Ghana following a glaring error in last month's encounter with Germany.
In the midst of an uninspiring all-round performance, Santos was dispossessed in his own box to allow Andre Schuerrle to score the winning goal.
Given the different role of the full-back in the English game, there has been much talk emanating out of Brazil that Santos may be used in a more advanced, left wing role for the London club.
However, given Arsenal's wealth of options on the flanks, this is far more likely to be a back-up option.
All that said, Arsene Wenger's enjoyment of attacking full-backs should mean Santos is a good fit for the club's system - especially if Alex Song and Emmanuel Frimpong are combined at the base of the midfield.
Sanros has struck up a good relationship with Neymar on the left flank of the Brazilian side, overlapping while the youngster cuts infield, and Wenger will hope Santos can replicate this with Gervinho.
If Arsenal's coaching staff can work with the player on the defensive side of his game, the Fenerbahce man could turn out to be an absolute bargain.
For one thing is certain: when in full flow, Santos is a joy to watch and will be a new delight for the Premier League audience to savour.
**
Read more from Christopher at www.theelastico.com and on Twitter at @chris_elastico

​

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]What can Liverpool fans expect from Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates?[/h]

By Mirror Football in Football Spy
Published 17:24 29/08/11

• 
• Recommend (17)
  
  

Football Spy has signed up some of the web's top foreign football experts to provide you with first-hand information on the latest Premier League transfer targets. Here's guest writer Christopher Atkins on prospective Liverpool signing Sebastian Coates.
***
Sebastian Coates looks set to complete his move to Liverpool this week after agreeing terms on a switch to Anfield.
The 20-year-old defender, who was in the stands for the 3-1 win over Bolton on Saturday, is just waiting for his current club Nacional to OK the £7m deal before he is presented as a Reds player.

So, just who is this Uruguayan and is he any good?
In South America, Coates (pronounced Co-at-es) is no new kid on the block. He made his international Under-20 debut aged 17 in 2008 and began his journey that could take him from youth football to the famous Shankly gates in just over three meteoric years.
He joined Uruguayan side Club Nacional in 2005 when he was just 14-years-old. In early 2009 he made his first-team debut and helped the club win the league title in his debut season, as well as playing in both the South American Youth Championships and the Under-20 World Cup of the same year.
Young talent in South America will always get a chance to shine given the high turnover rate of those departing for European shores, but as with anywhere else in the world, it is rare to see a defender make a mark at such a young age.
Coates stock was on the rise and people were taking note of this 6ft 5in youngster, whose sheer physical presence set him apart from many of his peers. This, combined with an excellent ability to read the game and impressive technical ability for a man of his size, meant fans were already getting excited about him even when he was in his teens.
The Uruguayan national team are well known in South America for their Garra Charrúa style, a term used to describe their famous grit and determination on the football pitch. Think Terry Butcher in his blood-soaked headband, or Paul Ince on that famous Rome night and you will get the picture.
In recent years, centre-back and captain Diego Lugano has been the embodiment of this Uruguayan spirit: the rough, tough stopper willing to stretch the limits of physical play to benefit his country. With Coates emerging from the shadow of Lugano, comparisons were bound to be made and the youngster is even referred to by the nickname 'Luganito' in his homeland, which means 'Little Lugano'.
But this comparison is actually a little unfair on the twenty-year-old who, despite his sizeable frame, relies much more on his abilities to time a tackle and move into position early, than sheer physical robustness. Coates is also much more technically sound with the ball at his feet than the warrior-like Lugano, 10 years his senior.
He is not afraid to dribble out of defence, not in the charging, gung-ho style of a Lúcio, but in a composed manner, always looking to find a suitable pass to move the ball on.
Initially called up to the Uruguay squad for a World Cup qualifying play-off match with Costa Rica back in 2009, just months after his first-team debut, Coates would have to wait nearly two more years to make his debut for La Celeste , in the 2011 Copa America in Argentina.
Uncapped and taken as the fourth choice centre-back, Coates must have thought he had little chance of playing in the tournament, let alone starting. However, with first-choice Diego Godín sidelined before the tournament even started and Mauricio Victorino pulling-up with an injury after just one match, Coates was thrust into the limelight, and had to make his international debut in a major international tournament.
However, as anyone who witnessed the Copa will testify, it was impossible to tell that this was a player taking his first strides in international football, let alone one of such tender years. Coates was confident on the ball, dominant in the air and physically equal to the varying challenges presented by the likes of Paulo Guerrero, Lucas Barrios and Gonzalo Higuaín.
It was therefore little surprise that the Young Player of the Tournament award followed. In a continent famed for attacking flair, the best performing young talent on show was a young defender from Montevideo.
The offers have been coming in ever since, with Manchester City, AC Milan and now Atlético Madrid all amongst the list of rumoured courters this summer. Unsurprisingly, Nacional have dramatically raised their asking price for a player who no doubt could have been bought for £2-3million just months ago. The club are not exactly made of money right now, as with most others on the continent (outside of Brazil) and any offer would have been tempting.
But, despite confirmation of higher offers, it appears to be Liverpool who have won the race for Coates. The lure of playing alongside countryman Luis Suárez is said to be high among the reasons for this decision, but whatever the case, Liverpool are undoubtedly buying a talent.
At £7million, Coates represents little risk to the Anfield club. If successful, he is a real bargain, capable of replacing club legend Jamie Carragher with aplomb when the veteran eventually decides to call it a day. If it doesn't work out for him on Merseyside, the fee is low enough and Coates is young enough to allow the Reds to recoup their investment by selling him on.
There will no doubt be testing times as he adapts to the Premier League, and Nacional fans will tell you he is prone to the odd mistake over the course of a season. But for those who have witnessed Coates play, it is easy to believe that he will shine for years to come at the Anfield club, given the right support and nurturing.
Few defenders in world football can boast such success at such a young age and Coates has shown, albeit briefly, that he is surely bound for the biggest stage.
**
Read more from Christopher at www.theelastico.com and on Twitter at @chris_elastico

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]Arteta volunteered to take pay-cut to join Arsenal[/h] Published 23:01 31/08/11 By John Cross

• (13)
• Recommend (5)
  
  

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...on-wages-to-seal-10m-move-article793978.html#

Mikel Arteta has made a deadline-beating move to Arsenal, as Arsene Wenger left it late to salvage his summer.
Arteta, 29, reduced his contract demands and asked to leave Everton to force through a dream £10million move, and by doing so restored some pride after a painful few months at the Emirates.
Everton boss David Moyes said: "Mikel indicated to me that he wished to join Arsenal. I am very disappointed to lose him, but the prospect of Champions League football was something I wasn't able to offer him."
Wenger also snapped up Chelsea's Yossi Benayoun on a season-long loan to boost numbers in midfield after rejecting a permanent £2m deal for the Israeli midfielder because of his injury record.

The Arteta deal looked dead earlier in the afternoon when the Spaniard's contract - he was on around £80,000-a-week at Everton and had four years left on his deal - appeared to bring negotiations to a halt.
Arsenal did not want to give a 29-year-old with a poor injury record a four-year deal.
Arteta then intervened, offering to reduce the length of his deal and his salary by around £10,000-a-week.
It is a bizarre scenario that Arsenal, a Champions League team, had to persuade a player from a side lower down the Premier League pecking order to take a pay cut to join them.
But that perhaps represents the state of their finances at the moment, and no-one at the Emirates will be complaining after Arteta's personal plea made the deal happen.
The Spanish midfielder is also the sort of stellar signing Arsenal fans have been crying out for all summer, and gives them hope after seeing the club sell Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Wenger had tried all summer to bring in extra quality knowing that he would lose his big guns, but has struggled.
Moves for Juan Mata, Yann M'Vila and Eden Hazard faltered, and forced Arsenal to look closer to home.
Wenger has always admired Arteta and sees his vision, imagination and creativity as the perfect fit for a midfield that has just lost two world class talents.
Fed-up fans have been ranting on Twitter, writing on angry blogs and questioning whether Arsenal can compete in the transfer market anymore after losing Fabregas and Nasri.
Even a hectic round of last-minute deals after Sunday's 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United had left fans unimpressed.
German defender Per Mertesacker, Brazilian left-back Andre Santos and South Korean forward Park Chu-Young were all brought in this week as Wenger appeared to hit the panic button.
But the biggest panic deal of all was for Benayoun, who managed just 10 games for Chelsea last year because of injury.
However, when put together with Arteta, Wenger has now completed his most expensive spending spree.
While they have lost some star quality, Arsenal have gone all out to strengthen the squad with early deals of £12m for Southampton midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, £11m for Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, £1m for Charlton's rookie defender Carl Jenkinson.
They have also brought in teenage Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell for £900,000 and Barcelona kids Jon Toral and Hector Bellerin.
Mertesacker, 26, will be seen as the big body who can strengthen Arsenal's defence at set-pieces, while 28-year-old Santos has been, until recently, Brazil's first-choice left back, and Park is regarded as great business at £1.8m.
Striker Nicklas Bendtner, meanwhile, continued the exodus. He is set for a loan move to Sunderland, with a view to a permanent £8m deal.
It remains to be seen whether the latest shake-up will be enough to keep Arsenal in the top four and, perhaps even more importantly, the big players remaining at the Emirates happy.
There are some doubts about Mertesacker's ability to cope with the Premier League, but former Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann insists the 6ft 6in stopper will be a success.
"Mertesacker will play well for my old team Arsenal - I am sure about that," said Lehmann. "In fact, I am convinced he will make Arsenal's defence better than it has been recently.
"The Premier League will be a new experience for Mertesacker and he will have to learn that it is much quicker compared to the Bundesliga. It can be incredibly fast.
"But it will not be a problem, he will adapt, and I am convinced he will be fine. But I am confident Mertesacker will be a good addition and will help Arsenal."
Who's in and who's out at YOUR club? Every Prem League deal of the summer transfer window

​

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]Chelsea seal shock swoop for £12m Meireles[/h] Published 23:12 31/08/11 By Martin Lipton

• (61)
• Recommend (11)
  
  

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...reles-deal-with-Liverpool-article794020.html#

Chelsea made a deadline-beating Portuguese signing - but not the one their fans expected.
Andre Villas-Boas had hoped to land Uruguay defender Alvaro Pereira from his former club Porto, lining up a £22million deal.
But when Porto simply refused to drop their £26.5m asking price - amid claims it was an act of revenge for their capture of Villas-Boas - Chelsea completed the last-gasp £12m signing of Liverpool's Raul Meireles on a four-year deal.
Chelsea switched targets after their final bid for Luka Modric of £30m plus Brazilian defender Alex was turned down flat by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

They initially offered Liverpool £7m plus Yossi Benayoun for the Portuguese midfielder, but switched to a straight cash deal when the Israeli schemer was sent to Arsenal on loan.
Meireles, frustrated at dropping down the Anfield pecking order after the summer arrivals of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing, then made a formal transfer request, easing his exit.
And with the transfer deadline nearing, the two clubs agreed the deal, reuniting Meireles with the manager who sold him for £11.5m 12 months ago.
Meireles, 28, scored five goals for Liverpool last season, including the winner which overshadowed Fernando Torres' Chelsea debut in February, but lost his status after Kenny Dalglish's summer spree.
***
Transfer deadline day deals at-a-glance
Who's in and who's out at YOUR club? Every Prem League deal of the summer so far
Transfer deadline day deals at-a-glance

​

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]Ferdinand completes QPR switch[/h] Published 00:10 01/09/11 By MirrorFootball

• 
• Recommend
  
  

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...nand-completes-QPR-switch-article794048.html#

QPR have completed the signing of Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand.
The 26-year-old has been regularly linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light this summer and has now moved to west London.

​

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]Fulham sign Sa on free transfer[/h] Published 00:06 01/09/11 By MirrorFootball

• 
• Recommend (1)
  
  

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...lando-Sa-on-free-transfer-article794047.html#

Fulham have completed the signing of Portuguese striker Orlando Sa on a free transfer.
The 23-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Nacional from Porto, has penned a three-year deal at Craven Cottage.
Sa begun his career at Braga and has played for both Portugal Under-21s and the senior international side.
"I am happy to have completed my transfer to Fulham and the Premier League today," he told the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com

"This is an enormous opportunity for me and I'm looking forward to joining the team and entering the next phase of my development.
"It's a wonderful challenge for me and I am keen to bring my qualities to Fulham and the Premier League."

​

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]Everton beat deadline to sign Drenthe[/h] Published 00:00 01/09/11 By MirrorFootball

• 
• Recommend (3)
  
  

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...-Madrid-s-Royston-Drenthe-article794037.html#

Everton have signed Dutchman Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid on a season-long loan.
The versatile, left-sided 24-year-old joined Madrid from Feyenoord in 2007 but struggled to tie down a first-team berth at the Bernabeu and spent last season on loan at Hercules.
He is likely to be asked to perform a midfield role as Leighton Baines is an automatic first choice at left-back.
Drenthe's deal went through late on along with another season-long loan for striker Denis Stracqualursi from Argentinian side Tigres.

The Toffees did not officially sign the pair until late on deadline day as there were primarily departures from Goodison Park.
Those came in the form of Mikel Arteta, unexpectedly to Arsenal, with Ayegbeni Yakubu set to complete a permanent move to Barclays Premier League rivals Blackburn.

​

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]Pulis pleased to sign 'outstanding' Jerome[/h] Published 23:53 31/08/11 By MirrorFootball

• 
• Recommend
  
  

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...utstanding-Cameron-Jerome-article794030.html#

Stoke have confirmed the signing of Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome for an undisclosed fee.
The former England Under-21 international has put pen to paper on a four year deal with the Potters.
Manager Tony Pulis was pleased to have pulled off the late deal.
He said: "Cameron is a player of outstanding potential and I am sure his explosive pace will make him a big favourite with our supporters. I know that our defenders have always found him to be a real handful whenever he has played against us.

"We have been looking to increase our attacking options in this window and he will certainly provide strong competition for places in that department."
Stoke confirm Palacios deal

​

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

[h=1]Stracqualursi joins Everton on loan[/h] Published 23:38 31/08/11 By MirrorFootball

• (1)
• Recommend
  
  

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...rsi-joins-Everton-on-loan-article794028.html#

Everton have signed striker Denis Stracqualursi on season-long loan from Argentinian side Tigres.
The Toffees had a deal for the 23-year-old lined up earlier in the day but the move was dependent on a number of factors, primarily departures from Goodison Park.
However, with Ayegbeni Yakubu's move to Blackburn expected to have been completed before the deadline Everton were able to push through the loan.