I totally agree with you @TAZ. Usmanov would have been an excellent addition to the EPL - as a majority shareholder. I like his mentality. He would have made Arsenal far much stronger and that is what we need - an extremely competitive EPL - more competitive than it already is.

I know I am a Man U fan but I am a football fan first. A stronger Arsenal (or any other team for that matter) can only make the league better. I hope Usmanov finally takes over at Arsenal and gives everyone including Man U a run for their money!

Burning spear, its too soon to comment.The real transfer window will be on the 1st of July, we still have two months.Wenger is not stupid not to strengthen the back mid and the strike force this summer.We already have news that Gervihno has already been released and talks are ongoing, Gary Cahill and Samba are also on the Verge of signing.So alot of work is happenning at the back ground.For arsenal its now or never! Wenger knows this but he is also committed to build the future also and thats why Carl was signed.Infact it was widely expected since there was a pre-contract agreement already in place in January

David Gill has apparently flown to Spain (Where Udinese president Gino Pozzo lives) to seal the deal for Alexis Sanchez. If Man U pulls this off, it will be the biggest coup this summer because Barcelona, Man City among a host of other Europeans club badly want the lad. He is the most wanted player this summer.

And the figure being offered by Man U - 27 million pounds - is definitely a bargain! The lad has made it clear he wants to move to Man U and this has put Man U in a better bargaining position.

Let's see how this goes. Nothing is definite in the transfer market until pen is put to paper.

@Maich, I think we don't need another winger in Alexis and I have a feeling these are just the normal transfer rumours. With Sniejder looking non-commital to Inter, I'd rather we spend all the remaining funds we have on the most crucial position - creative midfield playmaker.

While Luka would have been also ideal, clearly Spurs don't want to lose their star players as they look to strengthen so they'll quote whatever - and I hate the way Chelsea are always looking to enter the fray instead of using their own scouting to get players. The moment you get into a bidding war with teams like Chelsea and City, you've virtually lost the player - look at what happened to Barca with Alexis when City started being quoted...

Anyway, Man United now have at least 2 wingers for every wing (assuming we finalize on Young) so centre midfield what is remaining - in fact i would have prefered 2 established centre mids ( Fletcher and Anderson to be competing for positions) but I guess Phil Jones can be replacing Carrick as a holding midfielder when required.

Meanwhile, if Gooners sign Gervinho, that will give them some much needed impetus. Very interesting EPL season ahead

Gervinho's deal will be finalised soon, i also expect Shahktar's Willian to be an Arsenal player with Denilson going the other way....Samba and Cahill are both expected to sign if all goes well. The exit of Fabregas will be tough to take although he recently declared he's happy at Arsenal but i believe we have players who are more than capable of replacing him. The only player I'm not sure of is Scott Parker, he would be a great inclusion into the team.

@ Smano/Maichblak....Why is it that SAF always spends so much on British born players regardless of age or experience? I think the inroduction of Ashley Young to the team might signal the exit of Nani....i don't think he'll take kindly the idea of him being on the bench for long, in fact he's already started talking of a move away.