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Senderos' Arsenal Career Over?
Rumours are circulating that out-of-favour Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos may have played his last game for the Gunners...

Senderos, a Swiss international, will no doubt be a key figure in his side's line-up this summer, as Switzerland co-host the European Championships with Austria.

As such, with Wenger's recent statement that he may rest those heading to the tournament in light of his side's underwhelming finish to the season, there is speculation that Senderos has played his last game for the north London outfit.

"Maybe I'll have to give the players who go to the European Championship a little breather," Wenger was quoted as saying. Although injuries to Abou Diaby, Alexander Hleb, Tomas Rosicky, Mathieu Flamini and Bakary Sagna may compromise this idea.

That said, the Gunners have not fielded the lumbering Swiss since his blunders in their 4-2 defeat at Liverpool which knocked them out of the Champions League and, for all intents and purposes, ended their season.

Wenger, forever faithful to his youngsters, has continued to support the 23-year-old since that forgettable evening, but many believe he may be one of a few heading for the exit doors this summer.

As such, he will be hoping to have a strong summer with Switzerland to raise his profile, and as he impressed at the 2006, that is not out of the question.

Manager Wenger and club captain Gallas alike have called for solidarity, but unfortunately for them, Senderos does not look like being the only departure this summer.

Tenacious midfielder Mathieu Flamini has been unable to successfully negotiate a contract extension, and with Juventus and Milan looming, the Frenchman looks almost certain to be heading to Italy on a free transfer.

Belarussian Alexander Hleb has been linked with both Internazionale and Barcelona this season - the former with more vested interest - and rumours persist that a deal is close to being done for the player, who has enjoyed something of a breakthrough season with the Gunners, winning over many fans who had previously become disillusioned with his performances.

Chet Winter, Goal.com

Door open for Henry as Wenger keeps watching brief

Arsène Wenger has not ruled out a return to Arsenal next season for Thierry Henry. The manager of the Gunners responded yesterday to comments made by Henry to BBC's Football Focus in which he said that while he was happy at Barcelona, if he returned to play in England it would mean a return to his old club, adding: "There's only one team in England for me."

Asked about the possibility of Henry moving back to the club for whom he scored 174 Premier League goals in 254 appearances, Wenger responded: "You can never say never, but at the moment I don't think about that." Wenger made it clear, however, that he is still in close touch with his former player, whom he believes has "a lot to offer" despite enduring recent criticism after a troubled season in Spain.

"Barcelona were never really in the race for the championship and their players got a little bit devalued," Wenger said. "I had a chat with Thierry not a long time ago. He watches every Arsenal game – he can keep me advised! I watch Barcelona as well when I can. I'm always interested in how he looks, how he has found his sharpness, in what position he plays. I gave him my views about his game."

Wenger has his own take on why Henry has failed to make an impact at the Nou Camp, scoring only seven goals in 25 appearances. "For me, Thierry is an efficient goalscorer but they have two or three players there in the centre. I think what was a little bit damaging for his success at Barcelona is that Ronaldinho has not turned up this year and the closest one to play on the left wing is Thierry. It is not his preferred position and it's not where he is most efficient."

On the question of whether the 30-year-old France striker needs to move to revive his career Wenger commented: "In football things can change quickly if you have talent – and he has plenty."

Wenger's more immediate concern is to prevent players leaving rather than encouraging them to come in and he responded angrily to recent comments by the coach of Internazionale, Roberto Mancini, that he would like to sign Arsenal's midfielder Alexander Hleb. Wenger agreed to the suggestion that Mancini's comments had been disrespectful, adding: "The way they proceeded is absolutely unacceptable and I will consider filing a complaint to Uefa. If Inter want to buy a player why do they not call me? If I want a player from Inter I call them. Some Italians are always the same – they use the agent to destabilise the players."

Wenger refused to discuss whether he had spoken to Hleb about the matter. On the question of whether the player could buy out his contract, he said: "He can buy it out but not Inter themselves." Asked what his response might be to any request from Inter, Wenger merely added: "I want to keep the team together." To that end, he will also be hoping for a positive response from midfielder Mathieu Flamini, known to be a target for Juventus, who has a deadline of Wednesday to agree a new contract. "He wants to stay, we want him to stay and we have made him an offer," Wenger said. "Is the offer good enough? We'll know soon. But we want to respect the wage structure."

Wenger is now seeking to finish Arsenal's season with three victories which would give his team more wins than they managed when they went through the whole of the 2003-04 season unbeaten. Three points appear well within their compass on Monday when they visit Derby.

Arsenal Deny Villa Approach
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied reports that he has been in contact with Valencia’s David Villa, but has refused to deny an interest in the Spanish striker.

Spanish international striker Villa looks set to leave the Mestalla this summer and recently revealed that he loves the way Arsenal play and that it would “be a dream” to play for the North London side under Arsene Wenger.

Wenger however has admitted that no negotiations have started with Los Ches, but did say that he had a list of players he would be looking to bring to the Emirates during the summer.

“It is a nice compliment, Wenger said on hearing Villa's thoughts. “But, for the moment, there is nothing.

“Who are we going to sign? It has not been decided yet.

“I have a list where there is a number one, a number two, a number three and a number four for each position we want to strengthen.

“We have money, just not as much as the papers say because that is not true.”

With another trophy-less season behind them, Arsenal fans will desperately want some big name signings in the summer to try and win back the title from Manchester United and Chelsea, who have had a strangle-hold in recent seasons.

Mathew Burt

Arsenal Transfer Kitty Likely To Infuriate Fans
Rumours that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be handed only £25million to strengthen his squad this summer arte likely to provoke fury from disillusioned Gunners' fans.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal fans will next month get the opportunity to air their grievances at another season without a trophy.

And they are sure to demand an explanation if, as has been rumoured, manager Arsene Wenger will have just £25million with which to strengthen the Gunners' squad.

Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman is expected to be in for a rough ride when he faces the influential Arsenal Supporters' Trust on 12th May.

The main issue at that meeting is expected to be an investigation into the club's accounts by Trust treasurer Nigel Phillips - who has come up with the £25million figure, suggesting that is the figure Wenger will have available for new signings.

Phillips claims that Arsenal's other 'spare' cash — around £45million — is tied up in debts and outstanding transfer and player costs.

However, an Arsenal spokesperson has dismissed the £25million figure as pure "speculation", adding: "Even if there was a figure, we would not disclose the amount."

Mark Hinton, Goal.com