GUNNERS READY TO SPEND

Deal-fixer Richard Law has arrived at Arsenal’s London Colney HQ for a critical seven days.
With just a week until the transfer window closes, the North London club’s chief negotiator made his way to their Hertfordshire training base in preparation for what they hope will be a period of record-breaking spending.
Law splits his time between the club’s London hub at Highbury House and London Colney.

But the American was in position at his training ground office on Monday to lead the club’s attempts to strengthen their squad with manager Arsene Wenger close by.
His presence provides a clear indication that Arsenal’s much-hyped summer of spending is finally about to take off.
One of Law’s main objectives was to rubber-stamp a deal for Mathieu Flamini, who trained with the Arsenal squad yesterday.
Law held a meeting with the  29-year-old defensive midfielder and his agent at around 1pm, with a deal expected to be  confirmed before the weekend.
The club are still keen on Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil and have had encouragement from Real Madrid officials that the trio are available.
However, it is understood Madrid chiefs are unwilling to finalise deals until Gareth Bale arrives at the club, which is still expected in the next few days.
The Gunners will table offers for all three players once given the green light to proceed from Real chiefs.
Of the three, Arsenal believe deals for Di Maria and Ozil will be the easier to conclude, with  Benzema understood to be  reluctant to leave the Bernabeu.
Law will look to conclude moves for Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye and Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita before next week’s transfer deadline after having bids rejected last week.
Arsenal are also watching Juan Mata’s situation at Chelsea. The Gunners, though, are set to shelve plans to find a new defender after Bacary Sagna’s strong displays at centre back.

Wenger had identified a new  central defender as a priority, but Sagna’s performances, Thomas Vermaelen’s pending return to  fitness and the imminent capture of Flamini mean the club are no longer seeking a new defender.
Confirming their position in  the Champions League group stages tonight will help the club land their preferred targets this week.

 

Taking a 3-0 advantage into the second-leg qualifier at the  Emirates against Fenerbahce should mean Arsenal, barring a mass capitulation, are as good as in Thursday’s draw in Nyon.
But, even with their place among the continent’s elite virtually assured, Wenger insists the club will not spend recklessly. ‘The key word is the right additions,’ he said. ‘We need players with attitude and focus; the mental aspect in the modern game is vital.’