Friday, 7 June 2013

JOSE MOURINHO WILL MAKE US THE BEST SAYS JUAN MATA

ABOVE: Juan Mata feels The Special One can give Chelsea a winning edge

We have a great squad and fantastic supporters behind us

Juan Mata

7th June 2013

By Scott Coleman

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JUAN MATA is convinced Chelsea can win the Premier League under Jose Mourinho next season.

Mourinho’s long-awaited return to Stamford Bridge was confirmed on Monday when he signed a four-year contract to replace Rafael Benitez.

Chelsea have won the league once since Mourinho led them to successive titles in 2005 and 2006.

Mata has enjoyed success in Europe with Chelsea, winning the Europa League this summer 12 months after the Champions League.

But the Spaniard has yet to win the Premier League – and he wants that to change.

“Winning the Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League was great, but I really want to win the Premier League title next season,” the said.

“If we start well, we can do it. We have a great squad and fantastic supporters behind us.

“For me it would be amazing to win four trophies in three seasons. It would be a very special feeling to win the Premier League and I’m looking forward to hopefully doing so.”

Mourinho underlined his desire to keep David Luiz at Chelsea in his first interview since taking over, and he also

spoke about the need to strengthen the squad.

Chelsea are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over the possible signing of forward Andre Schurrle, 22.

Mourinho met general manager Rudi Voller prior to Michael Ballack’s testimonial in Leipzig, where the Portuguese managed a World XI.

Several other targets have been mooted, including Zenit St Petersburg striker Hulk and Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic.

Several players are likely to leave Stamford Bridge. Florent Malouda has already admitted he will go, while Hilario, Ross Turnbull, Paulo Ferreira and Yossi Benayoun are also out of contract.

Benayoun, 33, has been linked with a move to the United States, but his agent Ronen Katzav said: “It’s too early to say which is the best option yet.”

Keeper Turnbull, 28, has been unable to edge out Petr Cech and has started just six Premier League in four years at the club.

He is understood to be in talks with four English clubs.

GUILLERMO VARELA UNDERGOES MANCHESTER UNITED MEDICAL

ABOVE: Guillermo Varela is set to join Manchester United

I will have a medical on Friday and on Saturday I join the Uruguay Under-20 national team

Guillermo Varela

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

GUILLERMO VARELA will have a medical at Old Trafford today before completing his Manchester United move.

The 20-year-old Uruguayan, who plays for Penarol in his homelands, was on trial at United last season.

And he is set to join the champions after confirming that a deal will be finalised today.

Varela is a promising right-back and will set United back an initial £1m - but the fee could rise to more than double that.

The youngster told Uruguayan radio station Futbol a lo Penarol: "I will have a medical on Friday and on Saturday I join the Uruguay Under-20 national team.

"I will have to learn English, Rodolfo Catino [Penarol's club treasurer] taught me something, the structure is impressive."

Varela is David Moyes' first signing since replacing Sir Alex Ferguson as boss.

LIVERPOOL EYE CARLOS TEVEZ TO REPLACE LUIS SUAREZ

ABOVE: Liverpool are looking at Carlos Tevez

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

LIVERPOOL are lining up a stunning swoop for Manchester City ace Carlos Tevez.

Anfield top brass fear Luis Suarez could leave the club this summer - and striking options are already thin on the ground.

Daniel Sturridge should be fit for the start of the season but he's suffered a serious knock to his ankle.

Club chiefs have previously said Suarez is going nowhere but having a player in the squad who wants out could potentially be disruptive.

Finding a replacement is a must.

Liverpool are keen to build on their seventh-place finish this season and have highlighted Tevez, 29, as the man who could fill Suarez's boots, according to a British newspaper.

It's reported that Suarez's mammoth £200,000-a-week wages could prove a stumbling block - but he could be available for as little as £8m.

Ex-boss Kenny Dalglish tried to sign Tevez, offering Andy Carroll to City in a swap deal, but the move did not get off the ground.

BAYERN MOVE FOR LIVERPOOL STAR LUIS SUAREZ HITS BUFFERS

ABOVE: Luis Suarez is Liverpool's prized asset

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

LUIS SUAREZ'S move to Bayern Munich, with Arjen Robben coming to Liverpool, is OFF.

Bayern had plotted an audacious bid for the Uruguayan striker with winger Robben being used as a makeweight.

But the 29-year-old Dutchman says he is going nowhere.

"It is football, nothing is a certainty. This is a profession where anything can happen," Robben, who netted the winning goal in the Champions League final, told German newspaper Bild.

"I want to avoid any speculation, though. I am feeling very well here and I have a contract until 2015. Leaving Bayern is not an option for me at this point.

"There is absolutely no reason to leave, so I intend to stay put."

Suarez's future is in doubt after he opened the door on a move away from Liverpool.

The club, however, insist their prized asset is going nowhere.

MICHAEL LAUDRUP: I'M NOT LEAVING SWANSEA

ABOVE: Michael Laudrup wants Swansea to challenge for Europe

I had hoped for some signings at this stage but I think this is a question to ask to the chairman

Michael Laudrup

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

FRUSTRATED Michael Laudrup insists he won't walk out of Swansea.

But the boss - who has been at odds with the club's top brass over their transfer policy - has ordered the board to move quickly to avoid missing out on top targets.

Swansea struck their first deal of the summer by signing Real Betis midfielder Jose Canas on a free - but chairman Huw Jenkins and Laudrup are still disagreeing over the amount of money the Swans should spend this summer.

"I have always said that my intention was, and is, to stay at the club," he told the South Wales Evening Post.

"I think all the speculation regarding my future is due to the fact that there hasn't been any good news since we played our last game three weeks ago. We all need some good news.

"I had hoped for some signings at this stage but I think this is a question to ask to the chairman and the board."

Jenkins yesterday said "substantial" funds were available - but the Dane believes a lack of activity has provided a void for claims of unrest to develop.

He added: "They have all the names of the possible players for our team and all the players, except one, are in Swansea's level when we talk about transfer and salary.

"It is almost three weeks since we played the last game and everyone is looking forward to receiving some news regarding new players.

"Instead people can read in different papers and media that there are bigger and bigger problems with me, the chairman, the board, my agent or players who will not join Swansea because they are not sure that I will stay."

SPURS HAVE SIGHTS SET ON SWEDEN ACE JONAS OLSSON

ABOVE: Jonas Olsson has a release clause in his West Brom contract

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

TOTTENHAM have set their sights set on West Brom star Jonas Olsson - and are pondering whether to activate his £3.5m release clause.

Spurs were interested in the 30-year-old Sweden international last summer but the move petered out following the departure of Harry Redknapp.

But chairman Daniel Levy is ready to back Andre Villas-Boas to get a deal done.

Olsson signed a new two-year deal in October but the centre-half was disappointed how the Baggies' form dropped in the second half of the season.

West Brom ended up winning just four of their last 19 Prenier League games.

“Autumn was amazing. We were in the top three or four at Christmas. Then there was the Achilles heel of our team that the squad is not the biggest," Olsson told Express & Star.

“It tends to show itself in the spring when there are worn-out bodies.

“It has been a common thread of my time in West Bromwich.”

MAN BREAKS INTO PUB, DRINKS TOO MUCH BEER, PASSES OUT, GOES TO JAIL

ABOVE: The thief was drinking beer straight from the tap

CCTV pics show him waiting at the bar waiting to be served and drinking beer straight from the tap.

7th June 2013

By Andy Wells

A BEER-loving burglar was arrested after he drunk so much that he passed out and was caught asleep on the floor.

Adam Bell broke in to Em's Bar in Tamworth, Staffs, last month, and decided to get tanked on the free booze at his disposal.

CCTV pics show him waiting at the bar waiting to be served and drinking beer straight from the tap.

But he clearly didn't know his limit and passed out before the landlord discovered him the next morning, still asleep.

Waking up to more than just a headache, he was duly arrested and hauled away by police.

His boozy night in the pub also saw him smash up the fruit machines and pocket the change.

Bell admitted burglary and drug possession and has now been jailed for six months.

That's one hell of a hangover.

MAN BREAKS INTO PUB, DRINKS TOO MUCH BEER, PASSES OUT, GOES TO JAIL

ABOVE: The thief was drinking beer straight from the tap

CCTV pics show him waiting at the bar waiting to be served and drinking beer straight from the tap.

7th June 2013

By Andy Wells

A BEER-loving burglar was arrested after he drunk so much that he passed out and was caught asleep on the floor.

Adam Bell broke in to Em's Bar in Tamworth, Staffs, last month, and decided to get tanked on the free booze at his disposal.

CCTV pics show him waiting at the bar waiting to be served and drinking beer straight from the tap.

But he clearly didn't know his limit and passed out before the landlord discovered him the next morning, still asleep.

Waking up to more than just a headache, he was duly arrested and hauled away by police.

His boozy night in the pub also saw him smash up the fruit machines and pocket the change.

Bell admitted burglary and drug possession and has now been jailed for six months.

That's one hell of a hangover.

CHELSEA DEAL FOR NAPOLI'S EDINSON CAVANI DRAWS CLOSER

ABOVE: Edinson Cavani has helped Napoli finish second in Serie A

There is interest from Chelsea in Cavani, they'll call me in the next few hours

Aurelio De Laurentis

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

CHELSEA are in talks with Napoli to buy £53.5m striker Edinson Cavani.

The clubs will discuss the deal today, with Chelsea having to pay out 26-year-old Cavani's release clause to bring to Stamford Bridge.

Outspoken Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentis told Italian radio station Radio Marte: "There is interest from Chelsea in Cavani, they'll call me in the next few hours."

And he hinted that he's not going to lower his demands for the striker, who has a £53.5m release clause in his contract.

"If Cavani is sold then I'll reinvest all of the €63m of his release clause."

Jose Mourinho built his team around striking beast Didier Drogba in his first spell at the club and powerful Cavani will give Chelsea a similar physical presence up front.

The Uruguayan scored 36 goals for club and country last season.

PRINCE PHILIP HOSPITAL DASH

ABOVE: Prince Philip will be in hospital for two weeks

He is expected to stay in hospital for up to two weeks.

Buckingham Palace

7th June 2013

By Anthony Walton

PRINCE Philip went into hospital last night for an emergency operation.

He is expected to spend two weeks at Britain's largest private hospital, The London Clinic in Harley Street.

The Queen is said to be naturally concerned and being kept fully informed, a royal source said.

Philip, who turns 92 on Monday, will have the "exploratory" op on his abdomen under general anaesthetic today. The nature of his condition is not being discussed.

But it is not thought to be linked to other illnesses he suffered recently, such as his bladder problem.

Buckingham Palace said: "The Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to the London Clinic for an exploratory operation following abdominal investigations.

"He is expected to stay in hospital for up to two weeks."

Yesterday Philip seemed fine during two Royal engagements.

First he received New Zealand's highest honour from the Queen.

Then he appeared to be on good form at a Buckingham Palace garden party where he was "cracking jokes".

Shortly after he was driven to the hospital where it is understood, he had checks earlier this week.

It is thought he lost his voice and was in some discomfort.

Today the Queen will put on a brave face as she officially opens the BBC's new £1billion home in central London without her husband by her side.

BARCELONA COOL INTEREST IN LIVERPOOL STAR PEPE REINA

ABOVE: Pepe Reina joined Liverpool from Villarreal in 2005 - and looks set to stay

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

PEPE REINA looks certain to stay at Liverpool after Barcelona realigned their sights in the search for a goalkeeper.

With Victor Valdes set to leave, Barca were sniffing round Reina and had serious ambitions to bring him back to Spain.

But now their interest has waned and Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is top of their wish-list, according to sources in Spain.

The 21-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach man - who this week made a comical howler playing for his national team - is valued at around £12m and is seen as a long-term successor to Valdes, whose contract is up at the end of next season.

Liverpool were concerned that Reina was on his way out and had already casted a look at the market for possible replacements.

Stoke's Asmir Begovic and Sunderland's Simon Mignolet were both understood to be in their thoughts, although Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to splash big cash on what a back-up stopper.

Brad Jones is the current No.2 to Reina at Anfield.

BARCELONA COOL INTEREST IN LIVERPOOL STAR PEPE REINA ABOVE: Pepe Reina joined Liverpool from Villarreal in 2005 - and looks set to stay 7th June 2013 By Jack Wilson PEPE REINA looks certain to stay at Liverpool after Barcelona realigned their sights in the search for a goalkeeper. With Victor Valdes set to leave, Barca were sniffing round Reina and had serious ambitions to bring him back to Spain. But now their interest has waned and Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is top of their wish-list, according to sources in Spain. The 21-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach man - who this week made a comical howler playing for his national team - is valued at around £12m and is seen as a long-term successor to Valdes, whose contract is up at the end of next season. Liverpool were concerned that Reina was on his way out and had already casted a look at the market for possible replacements. Stoke's Asmir Begovic and Sunderland's Simon Mignolet were both understood to be in their thoughts, although Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to splash big cash on what a back-up stopper. Brad Jones is the current No.2 to Reina at Anfield.

BARCELONA COOL INTEREST IN LIVERPOOL STAR PEPE REINA

ABOVE: Pepe Reina joined Liverpool from Villarreal in 2005 - and looks set to stay

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

PEPE REINA looks certain to stay at Liverpool after Barcelona realigned their sights in the search for a goalkeeper.

CRISTIANO RONALDO'S £11.9M-A-YEAR DEAL TO SNUB MANCHESTER UNITED AND CHELSEA

ABOVE: Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be offered a huge pay-rise by Real Madrid

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

REAL MADRID will make Cristiano Ronaldo a mega-money offer in a bid to ward off Manchester United and Chelsea.

Reports in Ronaldo's homeland Portugal earlier this week suggested the star would run down his contract at the Bernabeu before moving elsewhere.

But it appears that's now not the case, with Spanish newspaper Marca claiming Ronaldo will be offered "the contract of the century".

Club president Florentino Perez will have been concerned with the links to United and Chelsea and is set to throw money at their prized asset, the second best player in world football.

Ronaldo has two years left on his current deal, which currently nets him £8.5m a year.

But Perez is planning to offer him a new bumper contract that will see the Portguese pick up an extra £3.4m per year, bringing his salary up to £11.9m (€14m).

Real will also give Ronaldo, who they bought from Manchester United for £80m, an increased share of publicity rights which will see him yet more cash.

SUN SHINES OVER BRITISH ECONOMY

ABOVE: With the sun shining the economy should continue to rise

Barring any upsets, growth should continue to revive.”

Stephen Gifford, boss of the Confederation of British Industry

7th June 2013

By Daily Star reporter

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BRITAIN’S flagging economy might finally be on the up, experts have claimed.

After years of belt-tightening, shoppers returned to the High Street, where retailers have seen the biggest spending rise in two-and-a-half years.

House prices, which took a knock during the recession, have also bounced back.

The Government’s Help To Buy scheme was credited with starting a mini-boom among first-time buyers.

And last month the average UK house was worth £166,898, up 2.6% on last year and the biggest rise since September 2010.

Last month also saw new cars leaving the forecourts at their fastest rate for six years, with 180,000 vehicles sold in May, 11% more than last year.

And Britain’s factories took on more staff, with a glut of new orders.

Economist Chris Williamson said the UK was “on the mend” but added: “Progress is frustratingly slow.”

Experts were still concerned about the high cost of living and sluggish wage rises. Some called for the Bank Of England to print extra bank notes to try to boost spending.

But Stephen Gifford, boss of the Confederation of British Industry, said: “Barring any upsets, growth should continue to revive.”

A report from card company Visa found that consumers were spending more on luxuries like trips to the hairdresser, travel, jewellery, eating out and mobile phones.

MIRACLE AS PLANE LANDS SAFELY IN BACK GARDEN

ABOVE: The plane left devastated in the back garden of a poor homeowner

No-one else was hurt in the accident.

7th June 2013

By Daily Star reporter

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A PILOT had a miraculous escape when he made an emergency landing in a back garden.

The 76-year-old from London suffered minor injuries after his plane’s parachute activated, over Cheltenham, Glos, yesterday.

No-one else was hurt in the accident.

STUART PEARCE TELLS FA: MAKE CHANGES, OR WE WON'T WIN THE WORLD CUP

ABOVE: Stuart Pearce has demanded changes to get England competing for top honours

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

STUART PEARCE has told the FA that England have to change its ways - or they will never win another World Cup.

Glory in 1966 was 47 years ago and even qualifying for the 2014 World Cup is not certain.

The England Under-21 chief believes that the approach to international tournaments HAS to change.

Pearce said: "We have done a study over the last 10 years. In that time, only Spain surpass us in terms of qualification for tournaments, from Under-17 level to the seniors.

"But when you flip it on its head and ask how many of our top 50 players who are playing in the senior squad now who have got tournament experience before they get there, we finish second bottom of the group.

"That study is around the top seven teams in Europe. It also incorporates the four top teams in South America and Mexico. The statistics are there.

"It is whether you want to ignore them and think it doesn't matter, we will just turn up and try to win a World Cup. Or do you want to put the building blocks in place?

"Experience is exactly that. I made my England debut when I was 25. I was nervous at Wembley.

"I had 20 caps before the World Cup in Italy but nothing prepared me for stepping out into the pressure that came my way.

"From that experience, I said 'that can't be right'. It is a pathway I do not want young players to tread.

"I want them to get that experience (of tournaments) before they step out on to that stage.

"You only have to look at the development of Theo Walcott. He went to the World Cup in 2006. Since then, he could have gone to two World Cups, two European Championships, three Under-21 European Championships, two Under-20 World Cups and an Olympic games, age permitting.

"I think he has only played five-and-a-half tournaments matches in that period.

"We have to address that, so our brighter players, like the Oxlade-Chamberlains, can get tournament experience - playing time - and don't just go to them."

Oxlade-Chamberlain is among the current crop of players that Pearce believes England have missed a trick with.

The Under-21s were without 17 eligible players for their European Championship opener against Italy.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was with the senior squad, was one of them.

Pearce added: "If you bring your best players, you stand a chance of winning the tournament.

"If you don't bring your best players, you take your chance when you get there. That applies to every country in the world."

STUART PEARCE TELLS FA: MAKE CHANGES, OR WE WON'T WIN THE WORLD CUP

ABOVE: Stuart Pearce has demanded changes to get England competing for top honours

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

STUART PEARCE has told the FA that England have to change its ways - or they will never win another World Cup.

BRAZIL HITMAN HULK CONFIRMS CHELSEA INTEREST

ABOVE: Hulk will set Chelsea back around £50m

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

BRAZIL star Hulk could be on his way to Chelsea after admitting: I'd be lying if I said there was nothing in it.

The Blues have reportedly bid £35m for the 26-year-old Zenit St Petersburg striker.

But the Russian outfit paid around £50m to sign him from Porto last year and are holding out for an increased offer.

A striker is top of Jose Mourinho's wish-list with Chelsea also linked with a move for Uruguayan ace Edinson Cavani.

Hulk is currently preparing for the Confederations Cup with Brazil and yesterday confirmed he would nail down his future after the tournament.

On a move to Chelsea, Hulk said: "If I said there was not anything in it I would be lying.

"But that is not for now. I am 100 per cent focused on the national team at the moment."

Powerful Hulk enjoyed a prolific four-year spell at Porto before moving to Zenit.

But before he left back then, the same kind of comments were emerging from Hulk's camp as they are now.

His agent Teodoro Fonseca said that "he would be lying if no proposals have emerged to sign Hulk".

ARSENAL MAKE SHOCK MOVE FOR EVERTON STAR MAROUANE FELLAINI

ABOVE: Marouane Fellaini is Everton's record signing

7th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

ARSENE WENGER may be about to hijack Manchester United's bid to sign Everton star Marouane Fellaini.

The Merseysiders are powerless to stop the Belgium international leaving Goodison Park as he has a £24m release clause in his contract.

It looked like old boss David Moyes would have no qualms paying that to take him to Old Trafford - but Arseneal have emerged as the unlikely favourites to sign him.

StarSport have reported how Wenger has a £70m transfer kitty to spend, which has been boosted by a few big new commercial deals.

It means he has the financial clout to compete with United - and Fellaini could be the top signing the Emirates faithful are after.

Bookmakers BetVictor made Fellaini - Everton's record signing at £15m - a 20-1 shot to join the Gunners at the start of play yesterday.

But the odds have been slashed into EVEN money as in-the-know punters lump cash on the Belgian linking up with Wenger.

Chairman Bill Kenwright said: “Fellaini goes if there is a certain amount bid – yes.

“But he has given me every indication he does not want to go. I think they are all looking to see what is going to happen.”

PIPPA MIDDLETON IS A MEXICAN MANIAC

ABOVE: Pippa Middleton can't help having a food fiesta or two at home

Inspired by a trip to La Bodega Negra, I’ve decided to throw a Latin American-style fiesta at home.

Pippa Middleton

7th June 2013

By Tammy Hughes

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SAUCY Pippa Middleton’s latest food fad has been inspired by a restaurant surrounded by sex shops.

Her Royal Hotness is addicted to Mexican dishes after visiting La Bodega Negra in London’s Soho.

The eaterie is wedged between seedy porn vendors and the entrance has been fitted out to look like a sex shop itself.

But the trendy cellar venue is a favourite of 30-year-old Prince William’s sizzling sister-in-law.

And Prince Harry, 28, is a regular visitor when he is in town.

Pippa, 29, loves the spicy food and booze so much she is holding Mexican-themed dinner parties.

She said: “Inspired by a trip to La Bodega Negra, I’ve decided to throw a Latin American-style fiesta at home.

“At the restaurant trendy staff bring you tequilas to sip on, along with dishes of spicy pork ribs, slow-roasted lamb barbacoa and heavenly soft-shell crab tacos.

“Each smooth sip and sizzling bite compelled me to put Mexico at the top of my list of Countries I Haven’t Found A Proper Excuse To Visit Yet.”

Pippa, revealing her new craze in the latest edition of Waitrose Kitchen magazine, adds: “The food is bold and smoky and the spiciness of it all is wonderfully cooling.

“So gather some amigos for Pippa’s Friday Night Fiesta. Arriba!”

ED MILIBAND RAPPED OVER SPENDING CAP

ABOVE: Miliband proposed a cap on 'structual spending' for three years if elected next term

Having got us into this mess, his speech told us nothing about how he would get us out.”

Iain Duncan Smith

7th June 2013

By Daily Star reporter

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ED MILIBAND was blasted yesterday after he vowed to cap spending.

He said if elected, Labour would introduce a cap on “structural spending” for three years from 2015-16.

He admitted his party had failed to control welfare expenditure and faced accusations of a U-turn for accepting the £83billion of Coalition cuts he had formerly opposed.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: “Having got us into this mess, his speech told us nothing about how he would get us out.”

DAVID CAMERON IN A PLEA FOR UK UNITY

ABOVE: Mr Cameron will speak to the Scottish people today about a need for unity in the UK

Mr Cameron, whose father was born in Aberdeenshire, is campaigning against the SNP’s bid for independence

7th June 2013

By Daily Star reporter

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DAVID CAMERON will call for national unity today as he appeals to Scots to stay in the UK.

The PM will remind those north of the border of Team GB’s Olympic glory and of Britain’s forces fighting shoulder to shoulder.

And he will tell the Scottish Tories at their annual conference: “Our UK’s history has always been one of shared endeavour.”

Mr Cameron, whose father was born in Aberdeenshire, is campaigning against the SNP’s bid for independence in a referendum next year.

ARSENE WENGER HAS BIG SIGNINGS IN HIS SIGHTS

ABOVE: Arsene Wenger may spend big with Wayne Rooney or Gonzalo Higuain in their sights

The club has even been considering trying to land £50m-rated Wayne Rooney, who is on £250,000 a week, from Manchester United

7th June 2013

By David Woods

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ARSENAL are joining the big boys of football and have confirmed they can sign a superstar like Wayne Rooney this summer.

The Gunners will boast an income revenue of £300m in two years, up £70m.

And they are ready to land a marquee signing and pay top wages in this transfer window.

Arsene Wenger has around £70m to splash out on players and will have at least a similar figure available every year from now on.

The club has even been considering trying to land £50m-rated Wayne Rooney, who is on £250,000 a week, from Manchester United.

Although Rooney seems set to stay, the Gunners – who have agreed a record £170m kit deal with Puma over five years – look certain to be raising the bar when it comes to bringing in established names in this window.

Real Madrid’s Argentina ace Gonzalo Higuain is on Wenger’s hitlist, with the board now admitting that eight years without a trophy and just scraping into the Champions League is not good enough.

“The critical thing about that is to work out how we don’t have to go through all that again, and how we can go through next season and put ourselves in a position where we are really competing for major trophies towards the end of the season,” said chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

Asked if a player of Rooney’s price and wages would be within Arsenal’s reach, Gazidis said: “Of course we could do that. We could do more than that. We have new revenue streams coming on board and all of these things mean we can do some things which would excite people.”

Gazidis declined to reveal Arsenal’s financial position in detail.

But Starsport can reveal that the already healthy figures are about to get better thanks to commercial deals. In two years they will be similar to that of the world’s richest club.

“We have got fantastic support from Emirates through the new deal we have done with them,” added Gazidis.

“We’re very confident with the other new deals we’ve got coming through, although we can’t talk about that in any detail.

“We should be able to compete at a level like a club such as Bayern Munich. I’m not saying we are there by any means – we have a way to go before we can put ourselves on that level.”

Asked if Wenger could spend more on transfers and wages, Gazidis said: “It means both of those things. We can look at some options that weren’t really in our financial capability.

“Our wage structure will evolve, as it has over the last five years. It will continue to evolve with a new financial capability behind it.

“That means we can do some things perhaps that we haven’t been able to do while we have had one hand tied behind our back.”

Gazidis also insisted Arsenal could challenge for the title next season, despite finishing 16 points behind Manchester United.

He added: “We need to make improvements for me to be able to say that, so probably we’ll have a fairer idea once we get through the summer.

“But that’s certainly what our ambition is and our goal is. That’s what this whole thing has been about.”

SIMON MIGNOLET OPTING OUT AT SUNDERLAND

ABOVE: Mignolet will be assessing his options with an array of clubs looking at signing him

Simon has come to a point where he wants to step up a level and there’s a lot of interest in him.

Nico Vaesen, Simon Mignolet's agent

7th June 2013

By Jason Mellor

SIMON MIGNOLET has stunned Sunderland by revealing he’s ready to quit the club.

Paolo Di Canio faces having to sell his £10m-rated keeper, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United set to fight it out for the Belgian ace.

Mignolet, 24, still has two years to run on his £22,000-a-week Stadium of Light deal – but has revealed he’s ready to ‘step up’ a level after another bitter relegation scrap with the Black Cats.

It means Sunderland must cash in on him now or risk losing the big stopper for an ever-decreasing figure in the future.

Talks over a contract extension have been on-going since March, but his agent, former Huddersfield and Birmingham keeper Nico Vaesen, revealed: “It’s very unlikely he will sign a new contract.

“Simon has come to a point where he wants to step up a level and there’s a lot of interest in him. He’s very ambitious and wants to play in the World Cup in Brazil next year.”

The Sunderland boss will step up his bid to sign Celtic’s ex-Newcastle keeper Fraser Forster.

There is further bad news for Di Canio with the Black Cats set to miss out on their two main South American targets.

They have been priced out of a move for Argentinian winger Ignacio Scocco, while Brazil striker Paulinho is set to join Italian club Sampdoria.

One South American who appears to be on his way is £2.5m Argentinin full-back Lucas Orban.

The Atletico Tigre full-back’s agent has revealed talks are on-going.