Arsenal set to sign English wonderkid; Van der Vaart pledges his future to Tottenham

Arsenal set to sign English wonderkid

Arsenal are closing in on Southampton youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to Daily Mail.

The 17-year-old is followed by a number of Premiership clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, but it now seems the Gunners are winning the race for his signature.

Arsenal have a very good relationship with Southampton after signing Theo Walcott in 2006 and this transfer will in many ways be similar to that of Walcott.

The Gunners will offer around £5 million up front plus another £5 million based on the player’s performances for club and country.

The transfer is expected to be realized within the next few days, but the youngster will stay at Southampton on loan until the end of the season.

Van der Vaart pledges his future to Tottenham

Rafael van der Vaart has delighted the Spurs fans by saying that he wants to finish his career at Tottenham.

The Dutch midfielder has been an instant hit at White Hart Lane after arriving in a cut-back deal last summer and he is now eager to remain at Tottenham for as long as possible.

“I love it here. I love the players and I love the down-to-earth attitude at the club.

“If I have the opportunity, I would stay here for the rest of my career.”

Tottenham will have a chance to prove their title credentials when they host Manchester United on Sunday, and Van der Vaart believes Spurs can win the derby game.

“Tottenham-United is the biggest game of the Premier League this season. Not only for us at Spurs but for all the Premier League because United are unbeaten.

“If we beat them, it opens up the league for everyone else who is chasing the title. And that includes us – we’ve got the squad to win the league.”

The Dutch international is the main reason behind Tottenham’s rise to stardom this season and probably the best signing of the summer transfer window in Europe, so Spurs fans will be delighted to hear that he plans to stay at White Hart Lane for as long as possible.

[Source: The Sun]

Robben: Van Bommel has to stay

Bayern winger Arjen Robben says the club cannot afford to sell captain Mark van Bommel as he still has a role to play.

The combative midfielder has been linked with a summer move away from Bayern, but his teammate believes Van Bommel should stay.

“I hope that Mark remains at least for a little bit more. Not only because he is a good friend, but because he is good and important player,” said Robben.

“He is our captain and has a lot of experience. I cannot imagine that the player who reached the Champions League and World Cup final last year and play an important role at the club can leave.”

“Mark can help us this season, and perhaps the next. We have a lot of young players, but in order to keep the balance you need experience.

”Mark can lead the team. This is very important.”

The Bayern captain rejected several offers to leave the club in January as he decided to stay until the summer, although it is highly unlikely the Dutchman will captain the side next season.

[Source: Bild]

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