Transfer news and speculation, 19 May

Sunday 18 May 2008 19:00 EDT
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Nasri sparks Wenger's new French raid

Manager Arsène Wenger is poised to head back to France for three players to strengthen the Gunners' squad. The Lille midfielder Jean II Makoun and St-Etienne right-back Mouhamadou Dabo are both in his sights, but the name likely to spark most interest at the Emirates Stadium is the Marseilles playmaker Samir Nasri, who was yesterday named in the France squad for Euro 2008. Nasri did nothing to calm the speculation surrounding his future by saying he may have played his last game for Marseilles on Saturday. "[The goal I scored] was very important because it is perhaps my last match at the Stade Vélodrome," he said.

Seattle attempt to lure Henry

The former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been offered £5.2m a year to join David Beckham and play in the MLS in the United States. The Seattle Sounders will join the MLS next season and are keen to sign the 30-year-old, who cost Barcelona £16m when he joined from Arsenal last summer. Aston Villa have also been linked with a move for Henry, as have Newcastle United, but the Frenchman, whose daughter lives with her mother in London, has told his advisers he is reluctant to move to the North-east. Therefore, not even £5m a year may tempt him Stateside.

Sun Jihai awaits City decision

China international Sun Jihai remains in the dark about his City future, but insists he still has what it takes to play in the Premier League. Sun has yet to be told if his contract will be renewed but expects to play in England next season after several teams expressed an interest in signing the versatile 30-year-old. "I'm still very fit, still loving to play," Sun said.

Deco linked to Stamford Bridge

The club are the latest linked with signing Deco, the Portugal midfielder, from Barcelona. Chelsea were interested in Deco (right) when Jose Mourinho was manager of the club and the deal could involve a swap with Frank Lampard, should he be determined to play in Spain. Deco, a clever playmaker, has been told he can leave Barcelona as they clear out some of their star players.

Seville's Adriano attracts Spurs

The Spurs manager, Juande Ramos, is keen to sign the Seville player Adriano Correia (right) this summer in a deal which could cost the club up to £8m. The Brazilian full-back has been an integral part of the Spanish club's success over the past two seasons which saw them win consecutive Uefa Cups in 2006 and 2007 and he scored in the final last year. The 23-year-old could be a replacement for the South Korean full-back Lee Young Pyo who is not a Ramos favourite. Adriano has won seven caps for Brazil. Ramos has moved quickly to strengthen his Tottenham squad this summer already with the addition of the 22-year-old Croatian playmaker Luka Modric.

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