Football Corner

Arsenal are to rebuild their midfield this summer by selling Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva and bringing in Samir Nasri and Andrei Arshavin. Barcelona are said to be close to signing Hleb, whilst Gilberto is now wanted by Greek side Panathinaikos and Arsene Wenger plans to bring in Marseille ace Samir Nasri and Zenit St Petersburg star Andrei Arshavin. (Various)



Hleb, 27, has long been linked with a move to Barca after it was reported last month that he couldn't settle in London, however he has since denied the claims. Meanwhile, Gilberto, 31, said last year that he would consider leaving the club due to the lack of first team football.

Samir Nasri, 20, has been close to signing an £11.5 million deal at Arsenal several times but for whatever reason nothing has yet materialised. Andrei Arshavin, 27, has been linked with a host of top European clubs after his magnificent displays in the European Championships last month but so far Zenit are asking for too much.

It is thought that if Arsenal are to bring in Nasri and Arshavin, it will set them back at least £30 million, which Wenger is prepared to cough up, if the likes of Hleb leave. It has been rumoured that Hleb could leave for anything between £12 million and £15 million but Wenger will obviously be hoping it is nearer the top end of that estimate.