ARSENAL are ready to test Chelseas resolve by offering
£5million for midfielder Lassana Diarra. Blues boss Jose Mourinho
is determined not to sell the French Under-21 international to one
of Chelseas title rivals. But their efforts to attract a counter
offer from another club have failed. And they dare not run the risk
of losing Diarra as a free agent when his contract expires next
summer.
Portsmouth, Fulham, Reading and Middlesbrough have all been alerted
to the 22-year-olds availability but have not registered a bid. He
was also offered to Lyon as part of the Florent Malouda deal, a
proposal which was instantly rejected by the French champions. But
Arsene Wenger believes the strong-willed youngster would be a
useful addition to his squad. And he knows Diarra is keen to make
the switch.
Diarra was earmarked to become Claude Makeleles eventual successor
in the holding midfield role when Chelsea signed him from Le Havre
for £2.6m in 2005. But he has become fed up waiting for a regular
place in the team.
GALLAS GETS ARSENAL ARMBAND.
Arsène Wenger has confirmed that William Gallas will captain
Arsenal during the coming season. The French centre-back, who
joined from Chelsea less than a year ago, will be supported by
vice-captains Gilberto and Kolo Toure on the pitch while Jens
Lehmann will have a role off it.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, Wenger said: "(The captain) will be
William Gallas. There will also be two vice-captains, Kolo Toure
and Gilberto.
