Are Manchester United about to cash in on Arsenal's disintegrating season? The Daily Star seems to think so, even if it is in a somewhat roundabout way. The paper reports that the Red Devils – who've hardly set the Premier League alight themselves this season – have been boosted in their desire to re-sign former skipper Nemanja Vidic by the news that Inter Milan are circling Fabian Schar, top of Arsenal's shopping list.
It wasn't so long that Arsenal were nailed on to nab the Basel defender, but that was before the Gunners came apart at the seams. Now the Star claims that Inter are leading the race and will lure Schar from Switzerland in a £10m deal, which will allow United to make their move for Vidic. The strapping Serb left Old Trafford for the San Siro last summer but things haven't gone as well as expected and the Star says that Vidic "has attracted criticism from the Italian press and a section of Inter's fans".
When Shcar was asked about a move away from Basel, the 22-year-old, who has made eight appearances for Switzerland, said: "I must say that if there is the possibility of playing in a foreign league, this would be high on my list [of goals]... I need to try to play in a team with great prospects." That would rule out Arsenal unless Schar's idea of great prospects is playing in the Europa League next season.
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Another continental star having second thoughts about a move to London is Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund. The Sun reports that the Gunners were in pole position to sign the 25-year-old midfielder in the summer when his £20m buyout clause kicks in.
But although Wenger has the readies he no longer has the reputation. A 'source' told the paper that the player was no longer keen on a move having already missed out on some serious silverware after being ruled out of the World Cup with injury.
"Reus wants to win titles and he is worried this would not happen at Arsenal," said the Sun's mole.
Meanwhile it looks like Arsenal are also going to be snubbed by Swansea striker Wilfried Bony. The 25-year-old Ivory Coast frontman has been linked with the Gunners, Tottenham and Liverpool in recent months, but Bony has been doing his maths and appears to have concluded he has more chance of playing in the Champions League if he stays with the Swans (currently fifth) than he will if he joins any of Arsenal (sixth), Spurs (12th) or the Reds (11th).
According to the Daily Express Bony is "ready to commit his future to the south Wales club" and when asked about signing a new contract, replied: "It's something that I want."
Over at the Daily Mirror there's a claim that the Gunners are "stepping up their interest" in Ipswich Town youngster Tyrone Mings. The 21-year-old, bought from non-league Chippenham two years ago for a paltry £10,000, is now rated at £10m and the Mirror says that Arsenal scouts have been keeping tabs on the defender in recent weeks.
In other news the official Chelsea website has announced that their Brazilian international Oscar has signed on for another stint in west London. The 23-year-old is in his third season with the club having moved from Inter in the summer of 2012, and in putting pen to paper Oscar declared: "I am so happy because I love playing for Chelsea and living in England. I have enjoyed playing here for two years, and now I have five more, so I am very happy."
And there's more good news for Blues' fans with Metro reporting that Eden Hazard has pooh-poohed suggestions he could swap the Bridge for the Bernabeu. In recent weeks rumours have emerged linking the Belgian playmaker with a move to Real Madrid, with Gareth Bale heading back to England in a big money transfer to Manchester United.
But Hazard has shot down the stories in conversation with French broadcaster Canal+. Asked about comments he allegedly made about leaving Chelsea for Real, the former Lille star replied: "I never said that. I do not think so. I did not think so." Pressed on whether there was a club that made him 'dream', he said: "Yes, Chelsea. They are the only club that makes me dream." He similarly played down speculation he might be tempted back to France with Paris Saint-Germain.
