Gunners close in on Angulo

ARSENAL are closing in on the signing of Valencia midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo before today’s transfer deadline after the Primera Liga champions confirmed the player is to hold talks with the Gunners.

Valencia and Arsenal have reportedly agreed a fee for the 27-year-old with Angulo now set to sort out his personal terms with the Londoners over the next 24 hours.

“The player will have to agree terms with them and for that reason we can’t say anything until everything has been signed,” said Valencia spokesman Agustin Morera.

Angulo was left out of the Valencia side which won the European Super Cup against Porto last Friday, and coach Claudio Ranieri has virtually conceded defeat in his battle to keep the player.

“I think he will go, but he is the one who has to decide. I can’t tell him anything, I have to respect his wishes,” said Ranieri, who will nevertheless be sad to see Angulo leave the Mestalla.