The Sports Pages
After defender Sol Campbell’s ‘will he or won’t he?’ saga came to a close yesterday, and the former Gunner signed for Newcastle, Arsene Wenger is now looking towards German international Per Mertesacker to fill the void in his side’s central defence. It is thought a £10m bid for the Werder Bremen 25-year-old could be enough to clinch the deal (Daily Mirror).
Arsenal are also apparently looking to sign Italy goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, who replaced crocked Gianluigi Buffon in the World Cup and remains the country’s first-choice shot-stopper. Marchetti’s club Cagliari have stated that Marchetti does not want to stay at the club, and that ‘the only real club that is pushing for his signature is Arsenal.’ (The Sun).
In other news, Benfica have told Chelsea they will have to cough up £33m to convince the Portuguese side to part with Brazilian international David Luiz. Luiz is thought to be catching the eye of Manchester City and Real Madrid. If Luiz departs, it is thought that his Brazilian international and Benfica team-mate Ramirez could also be on his way to Stamford Bridge, in a £20m deal (Daily Mail).
Finally, Liverpool target Scott Parker has been offered a new contract worth £20m over five years, worth £75,000 per week. West Ham chairman David Sullivan announced last season that his entire squad bar Parker would be up for sale after a dismal domestic season (Daily Mail).
