Milan have indicated that they may make a move for Thierry Henry. "He is a great striker and he could be of interest to us," said the European champions' coach Carlo Ancelotti who is also monitoring Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o.
"We want to sign a midfielder and a forward. You know of the names that are circulating. There are lots of big-name strikers but there is nothing concrete as these players are playing for big teams."
Milan could make room for the Arsenal player by selling Alberto Gilardino, who was unhappy at missing out to Filippo Inzaghi for a place in the team that defeated Liverpool in the Champions League final.
Speculation has heightened that Henry will be the subject of bids this summer and the Frenchman did not allay fears of him leaving by saying last week: "For now I'm an Arsenal player."
There remains an air of uncertainty at Arsenal after the departure of the vice-chairman David Dein, and Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has privately expressed hope that a move for Henry will prove successful this year.
There are few signs that Arsenal intend to compete with Manchester United in this summer's transfer market. Alex Ferguson has already made three major signings whereas Arsene Wenger is expected to make only one or two additions. They could include the Auxerre right back Bakari Sagna, who is understood to be available for £6 million.
Meanwhile, Brazil forward Ronaldinho has been told by his national coach Dunga to improve his fitness levels if he wants to regain the mantle of the world's best player.
"Kaka is the best player at the moment, Ronaldinho has the capability to return to the top and Robinho could be up there," Dunga was quoted as telling Catalunya Radio in the Spanish media yesterday.
"Ronaldinho lacks pace at present. He lacks that initial burst of speed that allows him to get away from rivals." The 27-year-old Barcelona player has been criticised by fans and the Spanish media for being overweight, out of shape and missing training sessions during the Primera Liga season.
Although he has been inconsistent, he is the side's top scorer with 20 goals. "He has to train more. A Ronaldinho at peak fitness is impossible to stop as seen last year. Technically he is better than the rest," Dunga added.
The drunken Danish fan who attacked referee Herbert Fandel who then abandoned Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier between Denmark and Sweden, apologised to his countrymen for spoiling their chances of making it to next year's finals. "I so want to say I'm sorry to everyone in Denmark. I spoiled a fantastic evening for so many," the 29-year-old Dane told Danish paper Ekstra Bladet in an interview.
The man cannot be named for legal reasons but said at a court hearing he had drunk 15 to 18 beers before the match and had little memory of the actual incident.
Uefa's control and disciplinary panel will meet later this week to decide whether to allow the match to stand at 3-3, replay the game, or award a victory to Sweden.
Claude Makelele is considering playing in America next season after admitting his future at Stamford Bridge remained uncertain. "I have not decided where I will play next season," he said. "I could remain with Chelsea, as I am under contract for next season. The United States is an option. It wouldn't prevent me from playing for France - ask the coach."
Jason Koumas has claimed Aston Villa are interested in signing him from West Brom but he will make no decision on his future for a fortnight. He has has also been strongly linked with Everton.
Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton was in Newcastle yesterday and is expected to seal his £5.5 million move to St James' Park this week, despite late interest from West Ham United.
Guardian Service
