ARSENAL are ready to test Chelsea’s resolve by offering £5million for midfielder Lassana Diarra. Blues boss Jose Mourinho is determined not to sell the French Under-21 international to one of Chelsea’s title rivals. But their efforts to attract a counter offer from another club have failed. And they dare not run the risk of losing Diarra as a free agent when his contract expires next summer.Portsmouth, Fulham, Reading and Middlesbrough have all been alerted to the 22-year-old’s availability but have not registered a bid. He was also offered to Lyon as part of the Florent Malouda deal, a proposal which was instantly rejected by the French champions. But Arsene Wenger believes the strong-willed youngster would be a useful addition to his squad. And he knows Diarra is keen to make the switch.
Diarra was earmarked to become Claude Makelele’s eventual successor in the holding midfield role when Chelsea signed him from Le Havre for £2.6m in 2005. But he has become fed up waiting for a regular place in the team.
GALLAS GETS ARSENAL ARMBAND.Arsène Wenger has confirmed that William Gallas will captain Arsenal during the coming season. The French centre-back, who joined from Chelsea less than a year ago, will be supported by vice-captains Gilberto and Kolo Toure on the pitch while Jens Lehmann will have a role off it.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, Wenger said: "(The captain) will be William Gallas. There will also be two vice-captains, Kolo Toure and Gilberto.
