Arsenal reveal £30m drop in profits in latest financial results

The Gunners' £6.7m pre-tax profit for 2013 represented a fall from the £36.6m recorded in 2012, with funds from player sales in particular accounting for the dip

Arsenal have announced their 2012-13 financial results, revealing a £30 million drop in pre-tax profits from their 2011-12 figures.

The Gunners' group profit amounted to £6.7m for the year-ending May 31, 2013 - while their pre-tax profit for the previous year totalled £36.6m.

Robin van Persie's £24m move to Manchester United helped account for a total of £47m in player sales although that figure fell short of the £65.5m recuperated the year before, with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri leaving the club.

Barcelona lose possession battle for first time in 317 games

The Catalans thrashed Rayo Vallecano 4-0 on Saturday evening, but saw less of the ball than their opponent - something which has not happened since May 7, 2008 against Real Madrid

Barcelona failed to get the better of their opponents in terms of possession on Saturday - for the first time in 317 competitive games.

The Catalans cruised to a 4-0 victory at Rayo Vallecano (which included a hat-trick from Pedro, a Cesc Fabregas strike and a second successive penalty save in a week from goalkeeper Victor Valdes), but Gerardo Martino's side were edged out in the possession stats by 51 per cent to 49% at Vallecas.

De Gea wants Fabregas at Manchester United after failed attempt to convince Thiago

The Spanish shot-stopper says his compatriot would be a great addition to help the club defend their Premier League title, but insists any decision rests with the Barcelona star

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has backed the club's move for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas after missing out on Thiago, who elected to reunite with Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old playmaker swapped Barcelona for the Bundesliga rather than move to Old Trafford, and the Liga champions have so far resisted United's bids for Fabregas, leaving David Moyes without a major summer signing so far.

Wenger admits role in Arsenal departures

The Premier League's longest-serving manager was open in a recent Q&A session in Japan as he discussed the club's focus on youth development

Arsene Wenger has admitted Arsenal’s focus on promising youngsters has contributed to the departure of key players in the past.

The north London side's failure to win silverware since 2005 has attributed to the sale of key players - such as Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Robin van Persie to Manchester United.

And Wenger has admitted he feels players have questioned his methods at periods during their ongoing eight-year trophy drought, both in the squad and potential new recruits.

Monday Transfer News: Gareth Bale seeks Real talks as Arsenal ready third Suarez bid

THIS AFTERNOON'S transfer news sees Spurs' Gareth Bale intimating he would like talks with Real Madrid as speculation mounts over his White Hart Lane future , while Arsenal prepared a third bid of £42.5m for Luis Suarez. Elsewhere, Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to stay at Old Trafford.

Spurs superstar Gareth Bale has indicated he would like talks with Real Madrid while Daniel Levy insists he isn't for sale

Read all after the cut...

Moyes confident of making new signing

Speaking to the media today, David Moyes says he’s confident of adding new players to the squad before the transfer window closes.

When asked about the potential Cesc Fabregas deal, Moyes revealed there was some uncertainty as to whether or not a third bid would be placed to tempt Barcelona into selling.

Add to that new Barcelona coach Gerard Martino admitting his club will ‘reject a third bid’ it’s likely Moyes will be exploring his options, but who fits the bill?

Here are some alternatives that I think would be great additions to the club.

See them after the cut..