Arsenal star center back Per Mertesacker has expressed his wish to continue his career at the Emirates. The 6ft 6in tall defender has insisted that he has gained respect among his teammates and he is needed at Arsenal.

Speaking to German sports website sport1.de, the German International said: "I do not think they want to get rid of me after this season here. I have become an integral part of the team and have really earned respect here.

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Sanchez battle heats up

Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez, who has been on the summer shopping list of virtually every top Premier League club, could well snub a move to England completely and opt for the glitz and glamour of Monaco instead. The young forward has had a woeful season at Barcelona, and the Catalan giants are ready to cash in on him, and Italian website TuttoMercato believe that he could well become the marquee signing of the wanabe French giants.

Mou wants Ron

Jose Mourinho’s summer wish-list seems to have grown in size as there are rumours going around that the soon to be appointed Chelsea Manager is looking to bring Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo with him to Stamford Bridge according to reports in the Spanish press. Though, the rapport between the two Portuguese over the past few weeks has questionable to say the least, Mourinho will be hoping to use a major part of his summer spending money to sign Ronaldo, who has scored 55 goals for him this season.

Arsenal might have to face stiff competition from Serie A Giants Inter Milan, in their bid to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

Schneiderlin, who primarily plays as a defensive midfielder, has turned a number of heads with his outstanding performances this season. The 23 year old has made 36 appearances for the Saints this term, scoring 5 goals. The Frenchman has been one of the best tacklers in the Premier League this season and has looked after his back four very well.

There’s good news at last for Arsenal – Manager Arsene Wenger has stated that the Gunners are on the verge of signing promising French forward Yaya Sanogo from Ligue 2 side Auxerre, on a 4-year contract. The 20 year old, 6ft 3in striker, who has rejected a new deal with his present club, is reported to be close to securing a free transfer deal with Arsenal.

Meanwhile, according to reports on ESPN, when asked about the deal with the striker’s agent, Wenger said: "It is in advanced stages but it is not done. I'm very confident. He is a young, promising striker who is a big talent."

Everybody knows that the Chelsea boss, Roman Abramovich’s pockets are seemingly endless pits of green paper of universally accepted barter. So of course there is no doubt that he will use some of it (which is still a lot for us) during the upcoming transfer season. Despite the fact that the Blues have now enjoyed success in Europe in consecutive seasons, he will be looking to bolster his squad in an attempt to make his team play the beautiful, free-flowing football which he so craves.

Arsene Wenger has declared that Arsenal have not yet approached Manchester United to enquire about the availability of want away England international striker Wayne Rooney.

The 63 year old Frenchman said that at present, the Gunners are concerned about Sunday’s match against Newcastle, the result of which would determine whether Arsenal would land a spot in the UEFA Champions League for the 16th straight season.