The Escaped Ape
Well-Known Member
Saw this first in the Mirror, which gave the rumour half an air of respectability, but then noticed the Mirror was just using the Sunday People story, which makes it seem even less credible. But, for what it's worth...
http://www.people.co.uk/sport/footb...urprise-move-for-seb-larsson-102039-23179830/
http://www.people.co.uk/sport/footb...urprise-move-for-seb-larsson-102039-23179830/
Arsenal make surprise move for Seb Larsson
Jun 5 2011 by Alan Nixon and Alan Oliver, The People
Seb Larsson
Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger is making a surprise move for Sebastian Larsson, who has been freed by Birmingham.
Swedish midfielder Larsson quit Arsenal to join Brum in 2007 – after a successful loan spell at St Andrews – but Wenger now wants him back as a squad player. SUNDERLAND, NEWCASTLE and BLACKBURN have all made offers, with the Wearsiders convinced they had done enough to seal a deal.
But now Wenger is throwing his hat in the ring and Larsson, 25, must decide whether he wants to be a fringe player at the Emirates or a regular starter at the other clubs.
North-east rivals Newcastle and Sunderland are ready to battle it out for another Brum star in 24-year-old goalscoring midfielder Craig Gardner.
Manager Alex McLeish knows he will lose the services of some of his top players after relegation from the top flight, but will demand around £8m for a player he signed from Aston Vila for £3million last year.
Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is also keen on Birmingham central defender Roger Johnson, 28, who is also wanted by WOLVES and LIVERPOOL. The vultures are circling at St Andrews with keeper Ben Foster, defender Scott Dann and striker Cameron Jerome all also attracting interest.
McLeish, though, has acted quickly to replace Larsson and is set to sign winger Chris Burke who has failed to agree a new deal with Cardiff City.
The Scotland international played under McLeish at Rangers.
