Arsenal’s pursuit for a new goalkeeper continues, with Julio Cesar fuelling speculation he could be the man to challenge Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks.

In an interview the QPR ‘keeper confirmed he was speaking to other English clubs:

“I am in negotiations with other clubs in England and from other countries but there’s still not been anything definitive. I am concentrating on Brazil, I still have a deal with QPR, but I also know I have to prove that I should be in the squad for the World Cup in 2014.”

The Brazilian shot-stopper joined QPR from Inter in the summer, and has always seemed out of place among the various clod-hoppers who were meekly relegated. With Liverpool, Arsenal and even AC Milan supposedly interested, he’s not short of suitors.

However, Liverpool seem more interested in Stoke’s Begovic, and Arsenal tried to sign Cesar before he opted for QPR (money) instead.

So, watch this space.

Back to Auxerre? It-Sa-nogo

Arsenal’s Yaya Sanogo (alright, not officially but near as dammit) has been linked with a loan return to his previous club Auxerre. The 20-year old forward could be given another season in France before taking his place in Arsenal’s first-team plans, but it seems he’s wanted immediately.

When asked about it, the Auxerre president said:

"He will only loan him back to us if he considers the player is not ready to join his team after the pre-season preparations. Otherwise he will not loan him."

“He” meaning Arsene Wenger, of course. Sanogo is expected to flit between the U-21 side and the first team, with mainly cup appearances for his first year. Of course, if he doesn’t impress, he can always go out on loan to a friendly Premier League side, or to Arsenal’s Spanish partner side Real Betis.

Fabregas to Manchester-or not

As reports would have it, not only are Manchester United very interested in signing Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, but their rivals Manchester City have entered the ‘race’ for his signature. The former Arsenal captain could be offloaded by Barcelona, with a move back to the Premier League on the agenda.

United are certainly interested in Fabregas, as a replacement for Paul Scholes in their midfield. However, a few key facts are left out of these stories:

If Barcelona choose to sell Fabregas, they must first offer him to Arsenal, for a fee of £30m. If Arsenal pass up on this chance, they can sell him to any side they like, for any fee they like. Assuming Arsenal do pass up the chance, Barcelona will expect a lot of money for him. We’re talking serious megabucks. For another reason.

Half of any future transfer fee for Fabregas is payable to Arsenal, thanks to a sell-on clause included in his contract, along with first refusal. Arsenal planned carefully for this eventuality.

Thirdly, Barcelona have made it very clear that Fabregas is extremely unlikely to leave the club this year. Next year, if he is still unhappy, is the first they’ll consider of it.

But apart from that, the battle is ON.

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