OWEN NEXT FOR GUNNERS?

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor has signed a new 'long-term' deal at Arsenal as speculation continues to link the Gunners with a move for Newcastle and England's Michael Owen.

The Togo international has established himself as a regular in Arsene Wenger's first team after arriving at the club in the 2006 January transfer window.

Adebayor's contract extension is hot on the heels of Emmanuel Eboue's decision to make a similar commitment to Arsenal.

The length of Adebayor's new contract was not disclosed by the Gunners but the move comes in the wake of renewed speculation that Owen could be bound for the Emirates.

Wenger is expected to watch Owen play for England B against Albania on Friday and again when England play Brazil and Estonia.

Owen's chances of moving to champions Manchester United are understood to have evaporated because of the combination of his ฃ5million-a-year wages and doubts over his fitness.

He has yet to discuss his future on Tyneside with new manager Sam Allardyce but his Liverpool counterpart Rafa Benitez has no interest in taking the former Liverpool striker back to Anfield.

Wenger, in the meantime, has assured fans they will be back among the silverware next season.

Arsenal have not won anything for two years but the French coach believes his young side have the ability to end that run next term.

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