GUNNERS SHOWING RIGHT SIGNS - WENGER

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's pre-season form has shown they can become a force to be reckoned with again.

The Gunners got their hands on their first piece of silverware since lifting the FA Cup in 2005 when Sunday's victory over Inter Milan saw them finish top in the four-team Emirates Cup.

A fine goal from fit-again Robin van Persie settled matters 2-1 against the Italians late on to cap a weekend of promising performances following their training camp in Austria.

Wenger will now prepare his squad for the trip to Holland and the Amsterdam Tournament.

With the likes of Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Adebayor all set to feature later this week, the Arsenal boss will be able to fine-tune his plans for the Barclays Premier League opener against Fulham on August 12.

By then, the club hope to have finally received a work permit from the Home Office for summer signing Eduardo da Silva. The Brazil-born Croatian international has an appeal on Thursday.

Wenger used the games against Paris St Germain and Inter to experiment with formations and personnel.

The Gunners boss was more than happy with the results.

"What I have learned is that the team loves to play together," he said.

"It has also shown that the spirit in the side is absolutely fantastic.

"This victory - we do not class it as a trophy - builds up the belief of the team, which was needed because we did not have the greatest season last season confidence wise.

"It shows we can do well."

Wenger, though, once again found himself fielding questions about off-field matters.

The French coach was photographed with former Arsenal vice-chairman Dein - who left the club last season following "irreconcilable differences" with the board - after the pair had dinner together in London last week.

Wenger, however, insisted it was 'simply' a meeting between two friends and that topics exchanged certainly did not include a potential buy-out of the club by American shareholder Stan Kroenke.

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WENGER DAMPENS KROENKE THEORY

Arsene Wenger maintains his close friendship with David Dein plays no part in the role he holds as manager at Arsenal.

The Gunners boss found himself fielding questions about off-the-field matters following this afternoon's conclusion of the Emirates Cup, which finished with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan for the hosts to claim the trophy.

Wenger was photographed with former Arsenal vice-chairman Dein - who left the club last season following "irreconcilable differences" with the board - after the pair had dinner together in London last week"

The Frenchman, however, insisted it was "simply" a meeting between two friends and that topics exchanged certainly did not include a potential buy-out of the club by American shareholder Stan Kroenke.

"The story is as simple as ever," Wenger insisted.

"I've been friends with David Dein before I was at Arsenal. I was friends with him during his stay here and I'm still friends since he's departed. It's as simple as that.

"I said the other day, I know I have a responsibility here and I want to stand up for it.

"My friendship with David is something different.

"For a long period it was mixed with the life of the club, but it is no longer mixed with that."

Wenger maintained: "We didn't discuss the future at Arsenal.

"He still asked me how it was going at Arsenal, how is the team going? I have no influence in the shareholders.

"I've never been a shareholder. I'm an employee who is responsible for the technical side of the club."

Wenger used this weekend's tournament - which also included Paris Saint Germain and Valencia - to experiment with team selection.

This afternoon's game with the Serie A champions looked to be heading for a draw before Robin van Persie fired in a brilliant winner, dragging the ball back inside his marker with some dazzling footwork.

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FISZMAN FIRM OVER GUNNERS STAKE

Arsenal's biggest shareholder Danny Fiszman has once again insisted he has "no intention" of selling his stake in the club.

With speculation mounting that billionaire businessman Stan Kroenke is set to launch a takeover bid at Emirates stadium, Fiszman issued a statement committing himself to hanging on to his 24.11% share.

The wealthy diamond dealer joined his fellow board members in April in entering into an agreement not to dispose of their shares for at least a year.

And in a statement issued today on Arsenal.com, he said: "I have no intention of selling my shares in Arsenal for the foreseeable future.

"There are exciting times ahead with the team showing so much promise, we are energised by what the future holds.

"I hope now that my position is absolutely clear."

He added: "Over the past few months there has been much ill-informed speculation about my shareholding in Arsenal. I publicly stated my position back in April.

"I have been a member of the board for 15 years now.

"The club has experienced many successes both on and off the pitch in that time and being part of the Arsenal family is something that is not only in my mind but also in my heart.

"I, together with the rest of the board take great pride in the fact that Emirates Stadium is our home and great pleasure in the exciting, entertaining football that the team plays.

"The board is a strong unit; we are the custodians of this club."

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FREDDIE READY TO JOIN HAMMERS - REPORT

West Ham have announced a 2pm press conference today, with reports claiming they will unveil Freddie Ljungberg as their fifth summer signing.

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet quotes Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson as confirming his interest in the Arsenal midfielder, who has also been linked with a move to Italian club Fiorentina.

Magnusson said: "We're definitely interested. I hope things will work out positively. Other than that I can't comment. You can draw your own conclusions from that."

Ljungberg, 30, is the Gunners' longest serving player, having joined them from Halmstad in 1998 for £3million.

He was a instant hit, and boasts a goalscoring record of 72 in 325 games for the club.

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ECCLESTONE IN GUNNERS TALKS - REPORT

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has reportedly been in negogations with David Dein to make a bid for Arsenal "for weeks".

Ecclestone admitted at the European Grand Prix that he could be interested in buying the Gunners if the price were right amid claims that American billionaire Stan Kroenke was poised to launch a £650million takeover bid.

And according to The Times, talks have been going on "in secret for weeks" with the Gunners' majority shareholder Danny Fiszman and former vice-chairman Dein said to be "the main players".

Just as Ecclestone has been previously considered to be a Chelsea supporter, Dein was thought to have allied himself to Kroenke.

However, The Times claims he would now favour "an all-British takeover" and has reportedly discussed the possibility of selling his 14.6% shareholding to Ecclestone in return for being named chairman when the takeover is sealed.

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HILL-WOOD OPENS WENGER TALKS

Chairman Peter Hill-Wood has revealed talks have opened with Arsene Wenger over a new contract and insists Arsenal have "never been in a better position" going into the new season.

The Frenchman's future at the Emirates Stadium has been the subject of speculation this summer, amid suggestions he might choose not to extend his current contract which expires at the end of the forthcoming campaign.

But Hill-Wood remains confident Wenger will sign up after positive recent talks.

"I very much hope he will (sign). It's very important," he told www.arsenal.com.

"He's done a marvellous job for the last 10 years or so. He looks pretty fit to me and I think he enjoys himself still.

"He's got a good job and I'm hoping he'll stay with us.

"We had a fairly lengthy conversation recently and that went very well.

"Hopefully, in the not too distant future we'll have something positive to say about it. I'm confident he'll stay."

Hill-Wood has also dismissed talk of a summer of discontent at Arsenal.

Wenger's side have been stung by the recent departure of captain and lynchpin Thierry Henry for Barcelona, while the futures of Wenger and midfielder Cesc Fabregas have also been the subject of persistent speculation, although the Spaniard committed his future to the club over the weekend.

With Croatia's Brazilian-born striker Eduardo da Silva, full-back Bacary Sagna and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski the only new arrivals so far, Arsenal's ability to keep pace with their big-spending rivals has been called into question.

But far from seeking to lower expectations ahead of what many have predicted will be a difficult season, Hill-Wood insists he has full confidence in Wenger's men to mount a genuine title challenge.

"I believe we've never been in a better position," said Hill-Wood, chairman of the club since 1982. "I think the team is absolutely first class.

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WENGER - I WANTED HENRY TO STAY

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he could not stop Thierry Henry swapping north London for Barcelona as "he wanted to leave".

Henry joined the Spanish giants for £16million last month after eight years with the Gunners and Wenger admits it was firmly the player's decision.

"Of course you don't want to lose a world-class player without having thought about it," he told the News of the World. "At the end of the day, it was his decision.

"He wanted to leave. You don't make a decision like that in a minute. You check to see if the player is really completely sure of what he wants to do.

"But Thierry Henry's decision is down to him. It's not my decision. He wanted to make the move.

"He's nearly 30. Maybe he didn't have the patience anymore to let the young team develop. You can understand that. It was a tough decision."

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WENGER GUARDED ON ARSENAL FUTURE

Arsene Wenger has vowed to speak about his Arsenal future "at the right moment".

Wenger has a year to run on his current deal and Arsenal fans, reeling from the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona, will be praying he decides to extend it.

But the Frenchman was in relaxed mood when quizzed about his future after Arsenal's 2-0 friendly win over Barnet at Underhill.

Asked if he thought he would stay beyond his existing contract, he told Sky Sports News: "I have shown my commitment in the past."

Pressed on whether that meant he would be staying, he added: "I will come out at the right moment... maybe when you don't ask me the question."

Cesc Fabregas, a target for Real Madrid, has given Wenger a boost by committing his future to the Gunners.

"I think Cesc has shown many times that he is committed to the club and Cesc in my mind will never leave," said Wenger.

"He has six or seven years of contract left and we have lost Thierry Henry. We want to keep things as stable as possible."

Wenger is confident that Arsenal can cope in the post-Henry era.

"I think we have good potential to do it," he stressed. "I think we will focus more on sharing the responsibility that Thierry had up front. There will be more focus on team play and not relying so much on one individual.

Wenger is expecting another departure with Jose Antonio Reyes, who was on loan to Real Madrid last season, keen to make the move permanent.

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LJUNGBERG AGENT COOLS CITY TALK

Freddie Ljungberg's agent has played down reports he could join Manchester City by admitting it is unlikely he will stay in the Premier League.

Despite still being under contract at Arsenal, Ljungberg is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium and has been linked with a move to Eastlands.

However, his representative Claes Elefalk told Swedish news agency TT: "He has earlier said that due to his respect for the Arsenal fans he can't play for another English club."

Ljungberg is also subject to interest from Italian side Fiorentina.

"Arsenal are demanding more than the offer Fiorentina have tabled,'' Elefalk added. "The clubs have to reach an agreement first, then we will sit down and discuss an eventual offer.

"We haven't reached that stage yet.''

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FREDDIE READY FOR CITY MOVE - REPORT

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has reportedly held talks with Arsenal star Freddie Ljungerg in a bid to hijack his Fiorentina move.

Ljungerg, who has spent nine years with the Gunners, has been told he can leave the Emirates Stadium by Arsene Wenger.

Fiorentina were thought to be close to finalising a £5.5million deal for the 30-year-old but The Sun claims Eriksson has held talks with Ljunberg and his agent.

The paper reports the Eastlands outfit are now favourites to land the midfielder for £6million after a successful meeting on Tuesday night.

Ljungberg is on a hefty wage at Arsenal but Eriksson has been told he has a £50million warchest to play with and he is keen to spend it on a player he named the best Swedish footballer still playing.

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GUNNERS QUIET ON SAGNA

Arsenal are yet to respond to reports that they are about to sign French full-back Bakary Sagna from Auxerre and allow Freddie Ljungberg to leave for Fiorentina.

French sports daily l'Equipe claim Sagna, 24, is currently in London and ready to complete a medical once the two clubs agree on a fee, while reports from Italy indicate that Fiorentina are confident of beating off rival Premier League interest from Sunderland and Manchester City for Sweden midfielder Ljungberg.

In June, Sagna, seen as a long-term replacement for Willy Sagnol at right-back in the France national side, was called up to the squad to face Ukraine and Georgia but has still to win his first cap.

Arsenal currently have Ivory Coast star Emmanuel Eboue in pole position at right-back and manager Arsene Wenger has tagged him a "future great".

Now Auxerre expect Sagna back in training at the end of the week if he does not tie up a switch to the Emirates Stadium, where fans are waiting to see what plans the manager has to compensate for the loss of superstar striker Thierry Henry in a ฃ16million move to Barcelona.

It is a question William Gallas, signed from Chelsea in an exchange deal with Ashley Cole last season, has brought into sharp focus by reportedly demanding crisis talks with Wenger over his failure to bring in big names.

Arsenal have to finance their huge investment in the new Emirates Stadium and speculation has been rife that Wenger will have to let other star players go and rely on his youngsters who reached the Carling Cup final last season and helped the club stay in fourth place in the Premier League.

But 30-year-old Ljungberg's future also remains in doubt in north London after nine years at the club and he is being pursued by Fiorentina, who are said have instructed sporting director Pantaleo Corvino to try to broker a deal.

It is not clear whether Ljungberg has had talks with Corvino following earlier denials from the player's agent that the player wanted a move.

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VIOLA DISCUSS LJUNGBERG MOVE - AGENT

Arsenal and Fiorentina are in talks about Freddie Ljungberg joining the Italian club, according to the midfielder's agent.

The 30-year-old Sweden international, who struggled with injury last season, has a contract with the Gunners until 2009 but has also reportedly attracted the interest of both Sunderland and Manchester City.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said in January he wanted to keep Ljungberg but agent Claes Elefalk claims the club are discussing a possible transfer with Fiorentina.

"The two clubs are in discussions," Elefalk told Swedish news agency TT. "If they come to an agreement, Fredrik can think about looking at a move."

He added: "Fredrik is really happy at Arsenal, but if it is an option, he could also consider a move to Fiorentina."

Ljungberg joined the Gunners from Halmstads for ฃ3million in September 1998 and has made more than 300 appearances, weighing in with more than 70 goals.

In 2002, he became the first player to score in successive FA Cup finals for 40 years.

Arsenal have yet to comment on the possibility he will leave and they have also kept silent on reports they are about to sign French full-back Bakary Sagna from Auxerre.

French sports daily L'Equipe claim Sagna, 24, is currently in London and ready to complete a medical once the two clubs agree on a fee.

In June, Sagna, seen as a long-term replacement for Willy Sagnol at right-back in the France national side, was called up to the squad to face Ukraine and Georgia but has still to win his first cap.

Arsenal currently have Ivory Coast star Emmanuel Eboue in pole position at right-back and manager Arsene Wenger has tagged him a "future great".

Now Auxerre expect Sagna back in training at the end of the week if he does not tie up a switch to the Emirates Stadium, where fans are waiting to see what plans the manager has to compensate for the loss of superstar striker Thierry Henry in a ฃ16million move to Barcelona.

It is a question that centre-back William Gallas, signed from Chelsea in an exchange deal with Ashley Cole last season, has brought into sharp focus by reportedly demanding crisis talks with Wenger over his failure to bring in big names.

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VIEIRA: GUNNERS TO GET OVER HENRY

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has backed the Gunners to overcome the loss of star striker Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

Vieira, now with Inter Milan, admits Henry's exit is a "big blow" to the north London club.

But the France midfielder feels just as Arsene Wenger managed to replace fans' favourite Ian Wright by bringing in Henry, he will find the right player to succeed Henry in the affections of Gunners fans.

Vieira told Feel Football: "Thierry Henry is a huge player and it is a big blow for the club to lose him, certainly.

"I know how it feels to leave Arsenal, and it is hard. But this has happened before at Arsenal, losing big players through the years, and the club always comes back.

"When I left Arsenal I know they had good quality players in midfield to come in - they had Cesc Fabregas to replace me. They have good quality players up front too, with (Robin) van Persie, who has been injured but is really good, and (Emmanuel) Adebayor. They have the quality to do well, but it will not be easy.

"You have to remember, when Thierry came in he had to replace Ian Wright, which was not an easy thing to do!

"He achieved that and broke all the records, so the person who will take over from Thierry will be in the same position. They will need to do the same thing he did.

"It is important to know that nobody is bigger than the club itself and I hope Arsenal will keep progressing. The club can still progress and they are in a good position. They have a new stadium and all big clubs have a big stadium, so now they need to get the results to be at the very top."

Henry, used to being the undisputed star man at the Emirates Stadium, now finds himself just one among many established superstars of the world game at Barcelona.

But Vieira feels his international team-mate has the quality to shine at the Nou Camp next season.

"There are no doubts, he will be very, very good at Barcelona," Vieira said.

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SAGNA CLOSE TO ARSENAL MOVE?

Arsenal could complete the signing of Bakary Sagna from Auxerre today, according to reports in France.

French daily L'Equipe say the 24-year-old right-back is currently in London and is ready to complete a medical once the two clubs agree on a fee.

The highly-rated defender, who is expected to cost the Gunners around £7.5million, is tipped to become Willy Sagnol's long-term replacement at right-back in the France side.

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FABREGAS HAPPY AT ARSENAL

Real Madrid transfer target Cesc Fabregas says he doesn't want to leave Arsenal.

Real president Ramon Calderon is a long-term admirer of the young Spanish midfielder.

And on Monday new Bernabeu coach Bernd Schuster confirmed he'd love to take the former Barcelona prodigy to the Spanish capital.

Losing Fabregas now would be a disaster for the Gunners, with talisman Thierry Henry already having left for the Nou Camp.

But the midfielder himself told The Daily Star he's in no rush to leave the Emirates Stadium.

He said: "Everyone wants the best for me but I'm happy in London and I haven't made any plans to go.

"Seeing people of all ages, young and old, wearing the shirt with my name on it in London is an honour and gives me a lift. Last season I was the Arsenal player who sold most shirts and that makes me proud.

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UNHAPPY GALLAS BLASTS GUNNERS

William Gallas has hinted he wants to leave Arsenal after criticising Arsene Wenger's transfer policy and questioning the club's ambition.

The French defender claims several Gunners players are unhappy following the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona and insists Wenger's policy of buying young players will not deliver trophies.

And he revealed he plans to hold talks with the board when he returns for pre-season training to discuss his own future after becoming frustrated at Arsenal's failure to compete with title contenders Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

He told his own website: "What is sure, it is that several players are questioning the club's future.

"Around us, all the teams are recruiting but what is planned to compensate for the departure of Titi Henry?

"I am not at Arsenal to play for third place. It is necessary to recruit players of reputation because the young players have many qualities but the season is very long.

"The young players are thirsty for victories but Arsenal must obtain results to gain titles. If not, one will have to change policy and do the same as the other teams: recruit with more means.

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NOBODY GETS SHIRT OFF HENRY'S BACK

Arsenal are planning for life without Thierry Henry - and officially have not got a player to take his shirt at the Emirates Stadium.

Henry left for Barcelona last month and although boss Arsene Wenger has bought Eduardo Da Silva to supplement his attack, no player has been given the number 14 shirt of the Gunners talisman.

Retiring his shirt has been the buzz of Arsenal fans since his departure to mark his contribution to the club, in the same way AC Milan plan to pay tribute to Paolo Maldini when he stops playing.

Henry's attachment to 14 stretches to his charity work outside football, and he has launched the "THe One 4 Foundation" supporting projects against racism and social inequality.

Theo Walcott, who has been tipped to eventually lead the Arsenal attack in the same way Henry did, was given number 32 for the new season, with Eduardo given nine.

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REYES EDGES CLOSER TO REAL DEAL

Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes' agent has confirmed negotiations are continuing in a bid to secure a permanent move to Real Madrid.

The Spain international spent last season on loan in Madrid, helping them win the Primera Liga title, and is eager to remain at the Bernabeu.

His agent Jesus Rodriguez de Moya said: "Reyes doesn't want to return to London.

"If the logical steps are taken, Reyes will be a Madrid player next year.

"Arsenal are not asking for 20 million euros (£13.6million) but they are asking for a reasonable fee in accordance with what they paid to Sevilla. The negotiations are on the table."

The 23-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Sevilla for £9million in January 2004, scored twice as Madrid clinched the league title with a final-day 3-1 defeat of Real Zaragoza.

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GUNNERS CONFIDENT OVER WENGER

Arsenal are confident Arsene Wenger will sign a new contract later this year, according to reports.

The future of the French manager came under scrutiny after Thierry Henry stated Wenger had become 'unsettled' following the departure of vice-chairman David Dein in April.

However, despite the fact Wenger is nearing the final year of his contract, Arsenal are so confident he will extend his Emirates stay that they have not considered looking for a successor, according to the Guardian.

The newspaper claims talks on a two-to-three year extension have progressed smoothly and it is expected Wenger will pen his new deal some time between October and December, in keeping with previous extensions.

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ARSENAL DENY WENGER APPROACH

Arsenal have described claims that Real Madrid held talks with Arsene Wenger over their vacant manager's position as "completely untrue".

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon suggested the club had spoken with Wenger after parting company with Fabio Capello.

However, the Barclays Premier League club refuted Calderon's claims that Wenger ever spoke with the Spanish champions.

A spokesperson for Arsenal told PA Sport: "It is completely untrue. Arsene Wenger has not had talks with Real Madrid and is committed to Arsenal Football Club."

Madrid are set to appoint a new coach next week following the Italian's dismissal shortly after guiding the team to the Primera Liga title.

But Calderon claimed, on the club's official website - www.realmadrid.com - that Wenger was among the managers they had spoken to about replacing Capello.

Calderon said: "Once we decided that Capello would not continue, [Madrid sporting director Predrag] Mijatovic underwent talks with Schuster, [Ronald] Koeman, [Michael] Laudrup and Wenger."

Wenger's future has been the subject of intense speculation since the departure of long-term boardroom friend David Dein and, more recently, star striker Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

But it is Schuster, who is under contract with Getafe for a further campaign but has reportedly freed himself from his current contract after Madrid reiterated they would not pay a transfer fee to sign a coach, who is in pole position.

"Schuster has told us that he has solved his situation with Getafe," said Calderon. "I am not sure if on Monday he will be at Real Madrid.

"He has always been among the three or four coaches with whom we have spoken. It appears logical that he will be the next coach.

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WENGER TURNS ATTENTION TO DEFENCE

Arsene Wenger is likely to look to bolster his defensive options, after Arsenal swooped for Croatia hitman Eduardo da Silva.

The signing of the Brazilian-born striker is Wenger's first move in the transfer market since the sale of captain Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

The exact terms of the four-year deal for da Silva - which is subject to a routine medical - have not been disclosed by Arsenal.

However, with some £24million having been brought in following the sale of both Henry and Jeremie Aliadiere, a substantial amount has clearly been spent on securing the services of the prolific forward from Dinamo Zagreb.

Reports, though, from Zagreb that the deal was worth around £16.2million - the fee paid by Barcelona for Henry - are somewhat exaggerated. The package is likely to be more in the region of half that amount.

Even so, that still gives Wenger plenty of room for manoeuvre as he seeks to further strengthen his squad.

Having already brought in Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, the Arsenal boss is determined to add some more quality.

Wenger is now expected to step up his interest in Auxerre full-back Bakary Sagna.

The 24-year-old is likely to cost around £6million and is keen on a move to Arsenal.

There has, meanwhile, not yet been any official announcement on the role of director of football.

It now seems likely former player Gilles Grimandi will be offered the post, which was created following the shock departure of vice-chairman David Dein in April.

While da Silva is certainly not intended to be a like-for-like replacement, he certainly brings with him a rich pedigree.

The 24-year-old was born in Brazil - but having moved to Europe at the age of 15, he took Croatian nationality in 2002.

It was Da Silva who scored the first competitive goal at Emirates Stadium when the Gunners beat Dinamo during last season's Champions League third qualifying round in late August, and he was also on target for Croatia during the 2-0 European Championship qualifying victory over England in Zagreb last October.

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BIG GUNS FIGHT FOR TEVEZ

Arsenal are reportedly set to battle it out with Manchester United for Carlos Tevez.

The News of the World claims Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has identified Tevez as the ideal replacement for Thierry Henry following the Frenchman's move to Barcelona.

However, it is thought Arsenal cannot afford the £28million asking price for a permanent deal and are instead preparing a £9million package to fund his wages and registration rights on a season-long loan.

United boss Alex Ferguson is also thought to be in the hunt for the Argentine and may also favour a loan deal because of uncertainty over the player's ownership.

Tevez seems certain to leave Upton Park this summer after helping to rescue the Hammers from relegation and sources claim it is between United and Arsenal for his services if he chooses to stay in England.

Inter Milan and Real Madrid are also interested, but it is thought Tevez may prefer to stay in England after his representative Kia Joorabchian was last week quoted as saying: "Carlos' heart is really in the Premier League".

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