By Ian Grant
Manninger to stay and fight
The People report that Alex Manninger will fight it out with Seaman and Wright for Arsenal’s goalkeeping position.
However, today’s Independent says Manninger is flying to Fiorentina to have a medical, with a view to signing.
Tres bon
Arsenal are watching a young French schemer nicknamed Tres who plays for Birmingham.
Kan – not
Malaga were the latest Spanish club to check Kanu out this week, but the Nigerian’s wages of around £35,000-a-week were too much, along with Arsenal’s asking price of around £6m.
No English clubs are reported in for him.
But a friend was reported as saying he’ll go where he can get first team football.
Barnet for Inamoto
Inamoto confessed:”In Japan, you stand out if you’ve got blond hair [barnet],” he said. “I just like to stand out.”
He said a main reason for signing for Arsenal was Arsene Wenger.
He also said Lee Dixon said something in the friendly and he didn’t know what it was.
Armband for Vieira
The People say that Patrick Vieira will get the captaincy when Tony Adams is absent, and a new £35,000-a-week contract.
They say a Highbury insider confirmed: “Patrick will be the next skipper. He is a natural leader and the problems of the summer haven’t altered Arsene Wenger’s attitude towards him.”
Houllier targets Arsenal
Overhauling Arsenal, who finished second last season, is the main item on the Anfield agenda. “We have to step a bit further up and try to move into second place,” Houllier said.