By Ian Grant
LATEST NEWS UPDATE
Inamoto
Arsene Wenger is aiming to sign Japan international midfielder Junichi Inamoto from J-League club Gamba Osaka, he said on Thursday.
“We are very close to agreeing a deal,” Wenger told reporters at a news conference.
Inamoto, this week, scored his first goal in 22 internationals against Yugoslavia after a neat exchange of passes with Yanagisawa and a first-time shot from 20 metres that flew into the top corner, winning the Kirin Cup for Japan.
[When Tony Adams is screaming for the ball, any Arsenal player could say, In a mo to…]
Wright signs
Ipswich goalkeeper, Richard Wright has signed a five year deal with Arsenal.
The fee was reported to be £6m.
Arsene Wenger said that he needed someone to challenge David Seaman straight away, and he thought Wright could do so.
Feyernoord, are cutting up rough about Arsenal allegedly reneging on a Dudek deal.
Reuters reports that Arsenal and Feyernoord representatives are meeting next week to talk about the situation.
Security
Sol Campbell called in specialists ADT Fire and Security to make his home impenetrable to any would-be intruders.
Na Nakata
Parma have signed Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata from Serie A champions Roma, Italian news agency ANSA said on Thursday.
ANSA said 24-year-old Nakata, a former Perugia player, had cost Parma around 60 billion lire ($26.07 million).
Wenger contract
The manager said: “I’ve not signed the contract but it’s a good way down the line. It has to be solved before the start of the season.”
Vieira “to stay”
According to the Mirror, Thierry Henry claimed Patrick Vieira had told him he would stay at Highbury.
Manager Arsene Wenger has already insisted Vieira will still be a Gunner next season despite persistent speculation linking him with a move.
One paper reports that Manchester United were wanred off about approching a player under contract via an unlicensed agent.
Rivaldo-Silvinho swap?
The Telegraph says Barcelona may consider allowing Rivaldo to leave if they could take Arsenal left-back Silvinho, believed to have already been the subject of a £10 million bid. McManaman and Rivaldo are other big names being touted about.
Although Inamoto is a big name in Japan.