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Nasri left out of 30 man France squad

    Arsenal’s Samir Nasri, along with Karim Benzema and ex Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira have all been left out of Raymond Domenech’s 30 man squad which will fly to South Africa’s 2010 FIFA world cup. Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, William Gallas and Abou Diaby from Arsenal will all be travelling with the French side this summer.

    The 30 man squad going to the world cup:

    GOALKEEPERS
    Cédric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Mickaël Landreau (Lille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)
    DEFENDERS
    Eric Abidal (Barcelone), Gaël Clichy (Arsenal), Rod Fanni (Rennes), Marc Planus (Bordeaux), Anthony Réveillère (Lyon), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Sébastien Squillaci (FC Séville), Adil Rami (Lille)
    MIDFIELDERS
    Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Yann M’Vila (Rennes), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), Jérémy Toulalan (Lyon)
    STRIKERS
    Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Thierry Henry (FC Barcelone), Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille), Jimmy Briand (Rennes), Djibril Cissé (Panathinaïkos), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille), André-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Lyon)

    Transfer News

    Marouane Chamakh close to Arsenal move

      As the French league slowly comes to an end, Marouane Chamakh is set to be out of contract with current team Bordeaux. There have been constant talks through-out the whole season on whether he would join the North London team. It is looking very close that he will put pen to paper and become an Arsenal player in the coming weeks after what has been a long and hard season. According to Sky Sports reports, the Morrocon international will join Arsenal on a free transfer.

      Marouane Chamakh has spoke out to the media on how he would like to join the Premier League, hinting on several occassions that he would like to play for Arsenal and adapt to their style of play.

      “I am delighted to join the English football atmosphere, it is something amazing,” he told French newspaper L’Equipe.

      “I love Arsenal’s game. I know I will have to adapt but I know the short passing game with (Bordeaux midfielder) Yoann Gourcuff.

      “In February, I made my decision. A departure clause (in a potential new Bordeaux contract) was not logical after refusing Arsenal last summer.

      “Arsenal were not alone. There were Liverpool, Tottenham and crazy offers from Russia.

      “But I was only focused on the Premier League.”

      Chamakh has been with Les Girondins for 10 years and, while he is looking to the future, admits he will be leaving with a heavy heart.

      “For my last matches with Bordeaux I can feel a lot of emotion,” he added.

      “But I am leaving for a new challenge. At Bordeaux I was the club’s child. In London, I won’t be a kid anymore.

      “I have grown, I have things to prove and I am motivated to achieve it.”

      The debate lies on how he will do at Arsenal, will he be a success? Is he what Arsenal needs?
      Keep checking back for the latest updates on this signing, and leave comments on what you think on the whole issue.