Arsenal FC latest news and transfer rumours

Not the best of weekends for Arsenal boss Wenger, who having strengthened a porous defensive known for conceding slapstick goals, is now back to square one after his side lost 2-1 to Chelsea, with Spain internationals Juan Mata and Fernando Torres hitting the net.

Wenger had brought in former Arsenal defender Steve Bould to discipline his back four to great effect, but after opting to leave out Per Mertesacker who performed well in the opening games, it looked a very different story against the Blues of Stamford Bridge.

Such a bitter loss will force Wenger’s hand to deal with the lingering Theo Walcott transfer saga, which is now attracting interest from Liverpool and Man City.

Football news gurus the Mirror and TalkSport have it in writing that Walcott may be offloaded in the winter transfer market, given that the wide man wants to play up front, a tactic that would aid Wenger’s goal worries but as yet has not been entertained.

The sources claim that if Arsenal do decide to take the money and run the revenue will be spent on Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has six months left to run on his existing contract.

The club’s general manager, Horst Heldt, has confessed the chances of hanging on to Huntelaar “are slim” and may listen to offers for the Dutchman in January rather than see him leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Arsenal will face stern competition from Tottenham and Chelsea if they are serious about making a move for Huntelaar.

In other transfer news and gossip, expectations that full back Sagna will sign a new deal are high, Arsenal will offer the French star a new deal within the next two weeks.

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