Wenger to bid for Magpies man

Arsene Wenger could bid 6 million GBP for Charles N’Zogbia of Newcastle United in the summer.

The French coach has been assured by his board that funds will be available to boost his squad at the end of the season, and the Newcastle United man is said to have leapt to the top of his wanted list.

“We have always found funds for the manager when he wants funds,” said managing director Keith Edelman. “Arsene is one of the managers who builds his squad very carefully.”

The Magpies would be reluctant to part company with N’Zogbia, yet an offer of £6million could well prove too good for manager Glenn Roeder to turn down.

Lehmann konnte nach Stuttgart gehen

Arsene Wenger is under pressure to open formal talks with Jens Lehmann over a new contract after Stuttgart emerged as favourites to sign the Arsenal keeper.

Jens has been courting offers from clubs in his home country since January 1.

Although Wenger has already stated a desire to keep the 37-year-old, it is understood that he is prepared to replace him with Manuel Almunia next season if Lehmann decides to leave after four years.

Almunia’s form in this season’s Carling Cup has convinced Wenger that he is capable of becoming the club’s No 1.

Lehmann’s contract expires at the end of the season but Wenger is refusing to bow to his demands for a two-year extension. Wenger’s policy for players over the age of 30 is to offer only a 12-month deal.

Wenger is already lining up a new keeper — CSKA Moscow’s Igor Akinfeev and Celtic’s Artur Boruc are both under consideration.

Lehmann said: “One-year deals are pretty good because you can’t allow yourself any letdowns. I haven’t given myself a time limit on a new contract, but the Bundesliga and Spain are alternatives.

“It doesn’t matter when I leave Arsenal. I like London, the club and the stadium, but there are other aspects. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

Juventus looking to sign Gilberto

A Juventus delegation was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday as Gilberto Silva played for Brazil against Portugal.

Juve see him as an ideal signing if, as expected they return to Serie A next season.

Gilberto has made close to 200 Arsenal appearances since moving from Brazil in 2002.

Brazil coach Dunga was quoted after the game as saying: “For me, he’s a player who can do good things in the Italian league, who can play in a big club like Juve.

“He is mature and he doesn’t fear responsibility.”

Wenger keeping an eye on Spaniard

Arsenal might sign a Spanish sensation next season.

Wenger is thought to be keeping tabs on Javier Patino, who currently turns out for AD Alcobendas.

The 18-year-old Spanish predator has bagged 21 goals this season, so is very much in the public eye at present.

Watch this space for more information.