Football news

Arsenal will strengthen their squad with the addition of a new signing this summer, Arsene Wenger told reporters after Saturday's 2-1 over Barnet in the team's first friendly of the season.

Wenger said that he would make "two maximum but one certainly". He also reiterated his belief that Emmanuel Adebayor will remain at the club.

"Adebayor is a player of Arsenal. I am very confident he will stay," Wenger said.

Arsenal have seen midfielders Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb and Gilberto leave the club this summer, while Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey have arrived from Marseille and Cardiff.

Ramsey made his debut at Barnet. Jay Simpson and Dutch youngster Nacer Barazite scored in the second half.

Mancini wanted in Moscow

CSKA Moscow want former Inter coach Roberto Mancini to resume his career with them in the Russian league, Russian TV reported yesterday.

Mancini was sacked by Inter last May after leading them to a third successive league title. He said in different interviews that he would not take charge of another club side in Italy.

Valery Gassaiev, the current CSKA Moscow coach, has already confirmed he will be moving on at the end of the season in March.

Aston Villa move for Zigic

Primera Liga club Valencia revealed that Aston Villa have made a move for Nikola Zigic. The 6ft 7in Serb striker looks set to be on his way out of Spain with Valencia prepared to let their player go this summer.

Zigic has been informed he does not figure in new Valencia coach Unai Emery's plans after failing to establish himself at La Mestalla.

Valencia sporting director Juan Sanchez told reporters Villa have made an offer for Zigic.

"The player and his agent know about the offer and we expect them to make a decision in the coming days," Sanchez was quoted as saying in the UK media yesterday.

MK Dons skipper in Ince's plans

Milton Keynes captain Keith Andrews could be re-united with new Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince, who managed the Dons last season, if agreement is reached on the midfielder's transfer to the Premier League club.

The 27-year-old is available for transfer after talks with the League One club manager and chairman.

"There has been some contact but there is nothing official to announce yet," Roberto Di Matteo, the MK Dons boss, said.

"Of course, I'd love to keep my captain. He is an important player who had a great season but we will see."

Beckham says Gullit on right track

Ruud Gullit is on the right track to lift Los Angeles Galaxy from the doldrums of previous seasons, according to England international David Beckham.

Dutchman Gullit took over as Galaxy head coach late last year to replace Frank Yallop.

Galaxy had a poor season in 2007 but this year they are on course for the play-offs in October. On Saturday, they snatched a 2-2 draw at the New York Red Bulls thanks to an injury-time minute equaliser from Landon Donovan.

Beckham said: "Well, it wasn't my decision to bring Ruud here but obviously I was asked about it.

"To have someone with his experience here is very important for our team and for the club as well because it's not just on the field that he's changed things."

Roma to start Malouda talks

Roma officials will be meeting those of Chelsea this week to discuss the possible move on loan of Florent Malouda, 28.

Roma were reported to be preparing a bid for Real Madrid's Julio Baptista last week but the Spanish champions are unwilling to release him on a temporary deal.

Malouda is seen as a replacement for Amantino Mancini who joined Inter last week.

Captain Francesco Totti warned last weekend that Roma needed at least two big star signings to compete with Inter, Milan and Juventus.

Fulham waiting for 'correct' offer

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson told Rangers that they will have to meet their asking price for Steve Davis if they want to keep him at Ibrox next season after a successful loan spell.

"The last I heard Rangers reiterated their initial offer, which was refused by the club," Hodgson said. "Players have values. We paid a lot of money for him.

"If he's going to leave us, it will have to be because we've received the correct offer."

Fulham beat Celtic 3-1 in a pre-season friendly at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Rangers were also in pre-season action on Saturday as they lost 1-0 to Schalke in Germany.

The Gers want to add more men to the squad, having already lost Kyle Lafferty, Steven Smith and Barry Ferguson to injury for their first Champions League qualifier on July 30.