Morning all, happy Sunday to you. Today it's not just raining here, it's windier than an old man after a feed of mushy peas and cabbage. Oh well.

This morning's Adebayor latest is that Milan say that Arsenal want to sell the player but want to move him on to Barcelona for their own motives. Perhaps it's because we can get more money from Barcelona, or that we can sell him and Hleb in a package deal, or that we want a Barcelona player as part of the deal. Who knows? Not me, and frankly I'm finding it very difficult to give a fish's tit about this any more.

The Spanish papers latest take on it is as follows: Sport says Barcelona have to sell Eto'o to fund the purchase of Adebayor. Chelsea and Milan are the clubs they say are interested in paying for the Cameroonian lunatic but didn't Milan say just the other day it was 'Adebayor or nothing'?

Meanwhile El Mundo says that two of his Arsenal teammates, who prefer to keep their names secret (how convenient), have received a text message from Adebayor saying "I already see myself in Barcelona". They say that since Adebayor learned of Barcelona's interest a couple of weeks ago he made it clear to Arsenal that he wanted to become part of 'the Barcelona family'.

Excuse me while I just lean over and vomit. The Barcelona family? What a crock of shit. I'd rather be a 8 month pregnant actress and spend time with the Manson Family. As I said yesterday I'll wait to give further opinion on this thing, particularly with regards to Adebayor, but seeing two clubs with the 'prestige' of Barcelona and Real Madrid to have spent most of this summer acting in such a classless and tawdry way makes a mockery of their reputations, in my opinion.

In other news Andrei Arshavin does want to leave Zenit St Petersburg and there can't have been a manager in football unimpressed with him this season. After a great campaign with Zenit, in which they won the UEFA Cup, he's played the last two games for Russia at Euro 2008 and been outstanding. He was fantastic last night as the Russians made the Dutch look very ordinary indeed. He looks like an exciting player, someone I could very easily see in red and white, but it all depends on how much he costs and how much control Russian forces have over his transfer. 

The News of the World says we've had a bid for Diogo, Portuguesa's Brazilian midfielder, turned down. I think I read this somewhere else too. It must be true so. 

Not much else happening really. Tonight sees Italy v Spain at Euro 2008 and so far the 1/4 finals have thrown up some surprises. Russia last night and Turkey on Friday. Despite their wealth of attacking talent would it be a surprise to see the Spanish choke again on the big stage? I don't think so but I think I just about fancy them to take it tonight. Unless Luca Toni stops his Tony Cascarino impression I don't think Italy have enough to trouble the Spanish defence, which is hardly water tight at the best of times. Should be a good game though.

Rightyo, that's it. Have a jolly good Sunday, stay out of the wind. It's humming. 

Happy Friday to you all. I have just awoken from the weirdest of dreams in which I won the Champions League for Arsenal by heading home a slice of onion from a corner. The ref looked, saw the onion in the back of the net and blew up as it was a golden goal. Weird.

Quite a bit to get through so we'll just get going. AC Milan say it's Adebayor or nothing while the speculation in Spain increases about a move to Barcelona. I know we've heard from Adebayor this summer saying he wants to stay at Arsenal but I have to say I'm a bit concerned at just how intense this speculation is. It's constant, it's not being quashed, and it goes a bit beyond the old 'Oh, we half fancy this player'.

Sport actually claims to have called up Adebayor in Togo and quotes the player as saying:

I don't want to say anything now in reference to FC Barcelona. Maybe in a little while it might be necessary but not now. It's better to wait. Thank you*

Of course he could have said "I have nothing to say about Barcelona" etc etc and it might well have been twisted to suit the story but that's what he's quoted as saying. To me it feels like there's something going on here and while I'm certainly not going to start pointing fingers yet it would be very disappointing if Adebayor were to agitate for a move now.

However, it does seem the interest from both Milan and Barcelona is very real and I don't think it can get to the stage it's at unless there's been some encouragement from the player's camp. We'll see what happens but it's all a bit scummy and murky in my opinion.

If he goes we'd need a striker though, that's for sure. Samuel Eto'o anyone? I'm not sure I believe this one but I'm also pretty sure that this story has been brought in good faith unlike some of the absolute bollocks you read elsewhere.

The Sun says we're after Obafemi Martins. Can't see it. I think his agent just uses us every single time he wants to get his player's name in the papers regarding a move away from Newcastle. Lazy cunt.

Nasri medical, holiday, sign, blah blah blah.

Some clubs want to sign Gael Clichy apparently. Well, some clubs can go suck a donkey's smeggy cock, cunts. Fuck. Off.

Eurowatch - Jens played last night for Germany as they knocked out Portugal. Sadly Ronaldo didn't cry which is a bit of a shame in fairness. It does seem that we're likely to see him do his crying for Real Madrid next season. Whatever I might think about United I can only hope that Ronaldo's signing ushers in a new era of shite for Madrid - the way they and Barcelona act over transfers really is quite disgraceful and if they pay £60m for him and he breaks his leg in the first game it'd be just what they deserve.

Tonight sees Croatia play Turkey and you can follow in the OleOle match centre - not forgetting the Eurocast as well which should be published later this morning.

The AST publish a letter they've written to Stan Kroenke after meetings with him and his team in Denver. Interesting stuff and it does look like a place on the board will be forthcoming. Hopefully I'll have a chat to them in the week to get more detail about their meeting and we can get it up on the Arsecast.

Speaking of which, after a week's holiday the Arsecast is back. In today's all-action episode there's a theme of negativity running all the way through, the Man in the Bar, a tale of the unexpected, Eboue and more.

To subscribe to the Arsecast in iTunes simply click here, to download this week's arsecast directly - click here (13mb MP3). You can find the arsecast archives here. And you can listen directly below without leaving this very page.

And that's about that, more tomorrow.

*Other websites and blogs please feel free to use this information without the slightest acknowledgement as to where you got it. I know you're all Spanish speakers too. You're great, so you are.

"How much do you want for this player? I'll give you £25m in hard cash"

"No deal!"

"How about this great load of gold bullion?"

"No deal!"

"What about these precious gemstones"

"No deal!"

"A rare signed copy of Sergeant Pepper's?"

"Oh, go on then!"

It's going to take something like that for Arsene Wenger to sell Emmanuel Adebayor apparently. It seems the boss sent a fax to AC Milan telling them that Adebayor was not for sale for 'money or gold'. Heh. And who says fax is a dying medium?

As I mentioned yesterday there was a lot speculation in the Spanish press yesterday, none of it concrete in any way though. It just said that Barcelona wanted Adebayor. Of course this has translated in a cast-iron £24m bid according to reports today. There's more in today's papers but again it's all very vague saying Barcelona want to sign him blah blah blah.

While the best part of me knows what the Spanish press are like part of me keeps thinking of the interview Adebayor gave to El Mundo back in May, complete with picture of him holding and reading a copy of the paper. I wonder does his hero worship of Thierry Henry have any bearing on this whole situation. We shall see. With Barcelona admitting that none of Eto'o, Ronaldinho or Deco is wanted next season they're definitely looking for a forward. Adebayor certainly fits the bill.

You have to imagine though that if Arsene is so against Adebayor leaving for Milan he's got to feel the same way about him leaving for Barcelona. It's all mad, Ted.

Still, it was more positive about another striker last night as Robin van Persie completed 90 minutes for Holland, and scored, as they beat Romania to advance to the 1/4 finals of Euro 2008. He drew praise from his manager, Marco van Basten, who said:

I am very happy for him. He had a long and difficult time without playing and he was completely fit when the tournament started. Now he has finally played 90 minutes; he didn't start easily but worked hard and after all his hard work, he was rewarded with a nice goal.

RVP himself called the Romanians 'hard work' and he's certainly playing himself into contention for a starting spot and it's good to see him look sharp in general and particularly around the goal. Like every Arsenal fan I hope he keeps it up but more than that stays injury free.

In today's Euro 2008 games Cesc should start for Spain against Greece while the Arsenal interest in the game between Sweden and Russia is reliant on ex-Gunners Freddie Ljungberg and Seb Larsson.

Speaking of Spain yesterday's Mirror again linked us with a move for Valencia defender Raul Albiol. Valencia are in serious financial strife and clubs will be looking to take advantage of this - I suppose that kind of a situation would suit us.

And that's really about that. Don't forget the Eurocast, the Euro 2008 podcast, will be available later on this morning.

More tomorrow.

We'll start this morning with the news that the Aaron Ramsey signing was officially announced last night.

We got the usual stuff from Arsene about how happy he was to sign a player who can play in midfield, at the back, up front, in goal, do ballboy, physio, tea-lady, write the match programme and be a steward. The player himself said:

I’m so happy to have signed for Arsenal. I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world and can’t wait to meet my new team mates. I recently met with Arsène Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal. He talked to me for a long time about the Club and the plans for the future, which really excites me. Arsenal is a Club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here.

So welcome to the Arsenal young man, glad to have you. No doubt we'll get some glimpses of him in pre-season.

Now, Adebayor. There's so much going on here that's it's very difficult to see the wood for the trees. We know about the interest from AC Milan and his agent, Stephane Courbis, is quoted as saying:

The player is fine at Arsenal, but when Milan come in for you it's difficult to tell them no. I know that Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world and, when they want to take you, you have to really consider it. It's difficult to say no to Milan.

So what we can gather from that is that if Arsenal were to accept a bid from Milan then he would go. Now, this is according to the agent only at this stage but you have to think that Milan's prolonged interest in Adebayor is due to encouragement from the agent and possibly the player. If Adebayor said to his agent 'I am really happy at Arsenal, I don't want to move' then these stories probably would not be appearing.

On the other hand The Sun quotes Adebayor this morning:

My future with Arsenal has never been in doubt and I want to assure fans I will be here for many years. My agent has met with coach Arsene Wenger about a new deal and I am happy about how the talks are going so fans can rest assured.

Hmmm, I have to say I'm a bit suspicious about this whole situation. As I said yesterday we have to give the player the benefit of the doubt because everything we've heard from him has been positive about his Arsenal future. On the other hand though there's obviously something going on. Whether that's trying to get Adebayor a new deal at Arsenal or a move to Milan I don't know.

I'm not sure that Adebayor actually merits a new contract with us to be honest. He just got a rise last season and while he had an outstanding season with 30 goals I think football is in very real danger of being ruined by hype. A player who has a few good games is lauded as the next 'Zidane/Maradona/Henry/Pele' whereas in the past it took time for a player to build his reptuation. Players and agents are greedily trying to cash in when their stock is high, there's no long term thinking.

My opinion regarding Adebayor would be that he had a brilliant season last time around but we have to be sure that he can do it again before we start paying him big, big money. To me that makes perfect sense. I'm not suggesting that what he did last season was a fluke but we've seen players in the past have one glorious season and fail miserably to ever reach those heights again. If he sticks away 25-30 goals this season then fair enough but until then he'll just have to cope with the £35,000 a week he's earning. Poor lamb.

Some fella called Gervinho talks himself up and says he knows that Arsenal want him. This comes after his agent made similar claims. Sounds like a player trying to increase his profile to me.

'Yeah, I know Arsenal want me but I'm really happy at a much smaller club playing lower quality football, in lower quality surroundings and earning less money'. Pfffff. Do one.

We might be getting a bit of money as it looks like Bolton will be signing Fabrice Muamba from Birmingham. A nice little sell-on clause will gain us a few quid.

Kenny and Sammy at 36 and 35, now Nigel at 32. I'm still watching.

Cesc wants Alexander Hleb to stay at the club saying he's an 'underrated' and 'incredible' player. Much as I love the little fella and not that I'm trying to suggest I know about the game than he does but I'm not sure I agree with him on this one. He's a player we can improve on, in my opinion. According to Radio Catalunya Barcelona's vice-president, Marc Ingla, travelled to London yesterday to negotiate with a transfer with Arsenal. Let's see what happens.

Speaking of Cesc he's likely to be on the bench again for Spain today but he doesn't mind. They play Sweden later on this afternoon while the evening games sees Russia play Greece.

Yesterday's games were fun, I thought. Italy a penalty kick away from going out but the cravat wearing Buffon saved Mutu's penalty. Italy will be unhappy at the perfectly good goal they scored just before half-time being ruled out. In the other game Holland destroyed France 4-1, Robin van Persie getting in on the scoring. The Dutch are looking really, really good in this tournament. We know they've got talent up front but their solidity at the back is surprising. They've now qualified for the 1/4 finals and Italy, France and Romania all still have a chance. The game between Italy and France is sure to be epic.

Right, that's about it. Have a good Saturday, more tomorrow.

It's a fairly quiet Friday morning, so it is.

Yesterday more stories emerged about Emmanuel Adebayor and AC Milan, some of which say Adebayor has told his agent to tell Arsenal he wants to leave and go to Italy. AC have admitted their interest in the player despite the fact that Ade has made two statements so far this close season saying he's going to stay at Arsenal.

This could be because they really, really want him or because they've been given some indication by his agent that he would open to a move. I just wonder if there isn't a little too much smoke around this story for there not to be any fire. Adebayor must surely be aware what his agent is doing, perhaps it's just a ploy to try and get him an increase in wages at Arsenal. On the other hand we have his fairly unequivocal statements about his intentions so I think we need to give him the benefit of the doubt, for now.

Hleb to Barcelona looks to have gone very quiet. Reports say that Arsenal have asked for Yaya Toure to be part of any deal but I didn't find anything about that in the Spanish papers. They do say that Bayern have admitted their interest in the Belarussian though. There are reports that the Catalans have made a bid for a Sao Paulo midfielder and there's an editorial in Sport which says that Hleb is not the kind of player Barcelona need and they should not buy him and concentrate on getting Cesc next summer. Cunnies.

It also looks like Barcelona have made David Villa their top target of the summer. I did like the quote from Aulas, President of Lyon, about Karim Benzema. He said:

For €40m I'll sell you the ear of Benzema.

heh. Reminiscent of Del Nido at Seville who said similar things about José Antonio Reyes before we bought him. And look how well that turned out! Erm... 

Teamtalk reports that newly promoted West Brom want Armand Traore and Alex Song on loan for next season. Certainly Traore needs a loan spell, he needs to play regularly as for all his pace he looks very, very raw at first team level. As for Song I'd be surprised if he went, the boss seems to really rate him. 

The Telegraph links us with Robinho while there were some reports yesterday saying Atletico Madrid were trying to hijack the Nasri deal. All I can say is if Nasri chooses Atletico over us then more fool him.

Eurowatch - Germany were beaten 2-1 by Croatia yesterday, Jens being particularly unlucky with the second goal. He did get into a nice ruck with the linesman and ref after Schweinsteiger got sent off and for all their good football the Croatians are just a bit too divey for me to support them, which is a shame. Bilic seems like a real character, he's refreshing in the world of football management, but some of the antics of the Croatian players are a bit OTT.

There's Arsenal interest today as France play Holland in the evening game. Robin van Persie could play for the Dutch while Gallas is set to start for France. We might even see Vieira and Henry at the Wanked off stadium tonight. Italy v Romania is up first today though. 

No Arsecast today, sorry about that. It's gone on a package deal to Santa Ponza where its going to get the back of its neck sunburnt, drink lots of beer, eat chips and pass out in a pool of its own vomit before coming back next week in need of a holiday all relaxed and refreshed. 

Right then, busy morning, more tomorrow.