Arsenal link to defender refuses to vanish
Arsenal are widely expected to buy another defender this summer as they attempt to avoid the complete collapses that have encapsulated their poor end to the campaign, and Christopher Samba is their preferred target according to the Daily Mail.
The Blackburn centre back has been considered the answer to the Gunners' frailties at the back for a while, as the 27-year-old is a more physical and aerially dominant figure than their current options, and it was rumoured that an agreement was almost reached in January to bring him to the Emirates.
It is suggested that the Congolese international would cost the north Londoners in the region of £12 million presuming Rovers survive on Sunday because he signed a contract extension in the winter window having prior to that submitted a transfer request.
Arsene Wenger isn't believed to be put off by the hefty price tag because the other players that he has looked at are all likely to prove even more expensive, with Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill and Paris Saint-Germain's Mamadou Sakho the three alternatives mentioned.
The Mail claim that Arsenal will try to regain some of the funds required to capture Samba by selling Andrey Arshavin, who is reported to have attracted the attention of Fenerbahce, while speculation remains that Sunday's trip to Fulham will be captain Cesc Fabregas' last game for the club.
The Daily Mirror meanwhile anticipate that Wenger will be as determined to tie down several of his current stars as he is to strengthen and indicate that getting Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri to pen new deals is a priority, although Gael Clichy may be allowed to leave.
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Published: 19 May 2011
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