Beleaguered Wenger goes on spending splurge
The Gunners boss also shored up his strike force by completing the signing of Park Chu Young from Monaco.
Sunday’s 8-2 Premier League humiliation at Manchester United and the impending closure of the transfer window at 11pm tonight has prompted a beleaguered Wenger to accelerate his late-summer recruitment drive.
Werder Bremen and Germany defender Mertesacker flew to London yesterday to undergo a medical after being given permission by both club and country.
Arsenal were confident of concluding a deal for the 26-year-old ahead of tonight’s deadline, as they were for Brazil left-back Andre Santos, whose move from Fenerbahce was subject today to a medical and personal terms.
The formalities of Park’s transfer were concluded after Wenger gazumped Lille for the signature of the South Korea captain.
A last-gasp spending spree would be music to ears of disgruntled Gunners fans, who have long urged Wenger to strengthen a squad whose lack of depth has been cruelly exposed.
Mertesacker, 26, would provide much-needed height and experience at the back, standing at 6ft 6in and boasting 75 international caps. Reports suggest the defender, who has previously been linked with Arsenal, could be available for as little as £8m (€9m) because of Bremen’s financial problems.
He is currently on international duty and Germany boss Joachim Low said last night: “Per contacted me last night and informed me (about Arsenal’s interest). “I told the player that I would release him for the day.”
Arsenal have also agreed a fee with Turkish giants Fenerbahce — reportedly £6.2m (€6.99m) — for Santos.
The 28-year-old would help fill the void left by the sales of Gael Clichy to Manchester City and Armand Traore to QPR.
Park, meanwhile, became an Arsenal player early yesterday, subject to a formal registration process.
The striker penned what is thought to be an initial two-year contract after it emerged he will be forced to return to his native South Korea in 2013 for a period of military service.
“Yes it is true,” he confirmed. “I don’t feel rushed [to make a mark at Arsenal]. I just feel really proud to have two and a half years at Arsenal. They are the last team I will be with before I go back to Korea from Europe. I am really happy about that.”
Wenger, whose personal intervention reportedly convinced Park to pull out of his move to Lille, added: “We are delighted to have signed Chu. He will add true quality to our attacking forces and will be a valuable addition.”
The Gunners have been linked with a host of other names ahead of tonight’s deadline, including Rennes’ Yann M’Vila and Chelsea trio Florent Malouda, Alex and Yossi Benayoun.
But Arsenal have now ended their interest in Cahill, although reports suggest they remain in the market for another defender, apart from Mertesacker, as well as a midfielder to replace Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Cahill may now be bound for Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham amid reports the two clubs were last night locked in talks for the defender.
Spurs are understood to have offered Sebastien Bassong to Bolton as part of the deal for Cahill, but it is understood Coyle has other options. Talks are now thought to be continuing regarding a straight cash deal for Cahill, who has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent centre-halves since joining the Trotters from Aston Villa in 2008.
Cahill could be joined at White Hart Lane by Scott Parker after the West Ham midfielder handed in a transfer request after Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp revealed his side were “very, very close” to signing the England international. Redknapp was hopeful of wrapping up a reported £6m deal for Parker, with the written request seemingly moving him a step closer to the Upton Park exit door.
Parker, who was encouraged to move by England manager Fabio Capello following the Hammers’ relegation, said: “I have had a fantastic four years at West Ham United and will never forget all the support I have had from the fans and everyone associated with the club.
“The manager and board have tried hard to convince me to stay but, at this stage in my career, I need to be playing in the Premier League, especially now that I am involved with England.’’
Redknapp said of Parker: “He’s a good player. I think he’s what we need. He’s a good lad, great attitude. Footballer of the year last year and he’ll be a good addition for this team.’’
Tottenham remain adamant the duo would not be joined by Luka Modric, despite the midfielder’s desire to join Chelsea.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have confirmed the signing of Uruguay international Sebastian Coates on a long-term contract. The 20-year-old completed his transfer from Nacional last night after passing a medical and securing a work permit earlier in the day.
Fulham, meanwhile, have agreed a £10.6m (€11.9m) deal to sign FC Twente’s Costa Rican winger Bryan Ruiz.
Owen Hargreaves is close to agreeing a surprise deal to join Man City.
And last night Charlton keeper Rob Elliot completed his move to Newcastle for an undisclosed fee.
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