Premier League | Wenger

Football is a competitive enterprise.  Players have to beat their opponents; the team has to score more goals than their opponents;  and the manager has to outwit his opposite number.

Arséne Wenger has not done too bad a job at winning matches (not as good as some others, for sure), but matches are one off the pitch as well as on it.  The best players are a valuable and desirable commodity.

Which it is why it is a little odd that he is quoted in De Telegraaf as saying; "Sometimes people try and destroy your work."  He went on to say, "I lost Nasri, Clichy and Fabregas at an age when they could have made the difference for Arsenal."

As he must know, if his players are any good, they will be coveted by other successful teams, like, for example, Manchester City, Barcelona.  It is up to the Arsenal board and Wenger to do what it takes to keep their star performers.  Robin Van Persie, anyone?

Premier League News | Wenger: Van Persie will stay at Arsenal

Speculation continues over Robin Van Persie's contract negotiations. He has 12 months remaining on his contract and Manchester City are said to be interested in signing the Arsenal and Holland striker. 

Sky Sports News have quoted Arsene Wenger as saying to Italian newspaper La Repubblica,

"He will stay at Arsenal" (link below). 

Premier League | Transfer News | Premiership

Transfer News From The Premier League.

As today is devoid of Euro 2012 matches, it seems an opportune moment to catch up with what transfers have been happening with the Premier League clubs.

Arsenal

Manuel Almunia has been released, but has yet to find another club, although rumour has it he has been connected with Fiorentina.

Lukas Podolski, who scored in Germany's game against Denmark has been signed from Cologne.

There is a suggestion that the club will accept offers for Robin van Persie of around  £30m.

Aston Villa

Carlos Cuellar, Emile Heskey and Brad Guzan have been released, and Brett Holman will arrive from AZ Alkmaar on a free transfer.

Chelsea

Chelsea welcome Eden Hazard from Lille and Marko Marin from Werder Bremen.  Didier Drogba has left for China.

Everton

James McFadden and Marcus Hahnemann have been released.  There are no signings as of now, but David Moyes is rumoured to be on his way to Tottenham Hotspur.  These rumours are, as always, hotly denied.

Fulham

Andy Johnson has signed for local rivals, QPR.  The club are also linked with Andrei Arshavin.

Liverpool

Fabio Aurelia has left Merseyside to go to Gremio (Portugal, apparently).  They are controversially linked with Gylffi Sigurdsson.  It's controversial, because Brendan Rodgers began to sign Sigurdsson when he was manager of Swansea.

Manchester City

Real Madrid are reported to be trying to sign David Silva, and City are linked with Javi Martinez of Bilbao.

Manchester United

Michael Owen has been released.

Newcastle United

Newcastle have denied that Demba Ba is leaving, but Hatem Ben Arfa could be signed by Chelsea.

Norwich

Grant Holt could be on his way to Everton.

QPR

Andy Johnson has signed from Fulham.  QPR stalwart Danny Shittu has been released.

Robert Green is said to have signed and completed his medical whilst on England duty.  Paddy Kenny has gone to Leeds.

Reading

Reading are looking to strengthen their squad with Adrian Mariappa from Watford (or Udinese B as they may soon be called), Ashley Westwood form Crewe, and Dame N'Doye of Copenhagen.

Southampton

Robert Huth has signed a new contract.

Sunderland

Craig Gordon has been released.

Swansea

Nothing to see here, following the departure of manager Brendan Rodgers.

Tottenham Hotspur

Luca Modric has left, as has Harry Redknapp.  Tottenham are currently managerless and have been linked with André Villas Boas.

West Bromwich Albion

Nicky Shorey has been released.

West Ham

West Ham have been linked with Joselu of Real Madrid.

Wigan

Chris Kirkland has gone to Sheffield Wednesday on a free, and Roberto Martinez has been linked with the vacant manager's job at Tottenham.