Robin van Persie Confirms He Will Stay At Arsenal
The Gunners' Dutch striker is perfectly happy to stay in north London for the foreseeable future.
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has affirmed his desire to remain at the Emirates Stadium as long as he is contracted to the club. The Dutch international's current contract expires in 2011, but he is hopeful that he may ink a new one soon, according to press reports.
However, the 25-year-old is desperate for the Gunners to start winning trophies, and hinted that a lack of silverware might well be the reason he would consider an exit.
"I’m not happy just playing - I want to win things and I think that is a good thing," he told English tabloid The Sun.
"It is not my aim just to qualify for the Champions League. I want to win the Champions League and I believe we can. It is not just that I want to play in the FA Cup. I want to win it, and that is what I have always said.
"I am not a guy who gives up easily. I have a contract until 2011 and I will respect that. About my future, I can’t say much more."
The forward concluded on a positive note, asserting that the January signing of Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin had provided a huge boost for the Gunners, and that the returns to fitness of Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas were also more than welcome at this stage of the season.
He said, "The signing of Arshavin is a really good one - and we have Theo coming back.
"Cesc is coming back and he is our heart-beat. He is really important for us because he controls the game, slowing it down and speeding it up."
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has affirmed his desire to remain at the Emirates Stadium as long as he is contracted to the club. The Dutch international's current contract expires in 2011, but he is hopeful that he may ink a new one soon, according to press reports.
However, the 25-year-old is desperate for the Gunners to start winning trophies, and hinted that a lack of silverware might well be the reason he would consider an exit.
"I’m not happy just playing - I want to win things and I think that is a good thing," he told English tabloid The Sun.
"It is not my aim just to qualify for the Champions League. I want to win the Champions League and I believe we can. It is not just that I want to play in the FA Cup. I want to win it, and that is what I have always said.
"I am not a guy who gives up easily. I have a contract until 2011 and I will respect that. About my future, I can’t say much more."
The forward concluded on a positive note, asserting that the January signing of Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin had provided a huge boost for the Gunners, and that the returns to fitness of Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas were also more than welcome at this stage of the season.
He said, "The signing of Arshavin is a really good one - and we have Theo coming back.
"Cesc is coming back and he is our heart-beat. He is really important for us because he controls the game, slowing it down and speeding it up."
Arshavin Could Be With Arsenal For The Long Haul
Andrey Arshavin has hinted that he may well stay at Arsenal until the end of his career.
Andrey Arshavin arrived at the Emirates stadium during the January transfer window with the acquisition of the playmaker seeming like a long overdue addition for most Gunners fans.
After a long and drawn out transfer saga, the Russian finally made the switch from Zenit St. Petersburg, penning a deal with Arsenal that ties him to the north London club for three-and-a-half years.
Since his arrival at the club, Arshavin has impressed any unconvinced fans by adding some much needed flair to Arsenal's attack - something that had been lacking due to the influx of injured players.
In light of all of this, the 27-year-old has spoken fondly of his short time spent at the club so far, and hinted that he might play out the remainder of his career at the Emirates.
"The players have been friendly, I feel comfortable with the team," he told Sky Sports News.
"It is too early to make any conclusions, since little time has past, but my contract is long enough."
"It will probably last until the end of my career.
Andrey Arshavin arrived at the Emirates stadium during the January transfer window with the acquisition of the playmaker seeming like a long overdue addition for most Gunners fans.
After a long and drawn out transfer saga, the Russian finally made the switch from Zenit St. Petersburg, penning a deal with Arsenal that ties him to the north London club for three-and-a-half years.
Since his arrival at the club, Arshavin has impressed any unconvinced fans by adding some much needed flair to Arsenal's attack - something that had been lacking due to the influx of injured players.
In light of all of this, the 27-year-old has spoken fondly of his short time spent at the club so far, and hinted that he might play out the remainder of his career at the Emirates.
"The players have been friendly, I feel comfortable with the team," he told Sky Sports News.
"It is too early to make any conclusions, since little time has past, but my contract is long enough."
"It will probably last until the end of my career.
Eduardo At The Double As Arsenal Cruise Past Cardiff City In FA Cup
double from the returning Eduardo helped Arsenal dump Cardiff City out of the FA Cup and send the Gunners into the fifth round.
Having endured a goalless draw 22 days ago, Arsenal and Cardiff City met again at the Emirates Stadium aiming to book themselves a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup and a date with Burnley.
Yet there was no doubt what the main talking point of the night was always going to be; the return of Arsenal striker Eduardo, back in the side after a year out with injury.
Certainly the Croatian began the game brightly, as did the home side, and they might have been ahead as early as the fifth minute.
Bacary Sagna found space down the right and crossed for Nicolas Bendtner, who had pulled off the back of Roger Johnson to find space, but could only direct his header wide.
Moments later and Bendtner had another opportunity, Eduardo set up Carlos Vela for the shot which Tom Heaton parried. However, the Dane collected the loose ball but could only fire straight at the Cardiff stopper.
Even so, Arsenal were rampant in the opening exchanges and mid-way through the first half they finally had their reward, and fittingly it was Eduardo who found the back of the net.
The striker began the move, bearing down on goal on the left flank before slipping a ball to the overlapping Vela.
The Mexican advanced before clipping an inviting return ball back to Eduardo to head past the despairing dive of Heaton and send the home crowd into raptures.
The Gunners continued to press and just after the half hour mark they doubled their lead. A corner in from the right by Samir Nasri found Bendtner running off the back post, unnoticed, to head home.
Yet Bendtner really ought to have put the game beyond the Bluebirds right on half-time. Another superb delivery from the right by Sagna found Vela, taking a touch before swiveling and shooting at Heaton.
The Cardiff keeper parried the shot but only into the Dane’s path yet with the goal gaping he conspired to hit the post before collecting the rebound and shooting straight at Heaton who saved again and the chance went begging.
The second half continued in much the same vein and on the hour mark Arsenal finally put the game out of sight.
A scramble in the Cardiff area saw Alex Rae eventually foul Eduardo and referee Mark Halsey pointed straight to the spot.
There was no doubt over who would take the kick and up stepped the Croatian to send Heaton the wrong way for his second goal of the night.
It was to be his last telling contribution of the match as with a little over 20 minutes to go he was substituted to wild applause, with Robin van Persie the man coming on in his place.
The Dutchman had the best chances of the closing stages and finally got his goal with minutes to go with a clinical finish after good work by Bendtner.
The striker then almost grabbed his second of the night but he headed against the post in stoppage time. Yet the night belonged to Eduardo and Arsenal as Cardiff departed North London well beaten.
The Gunners, meanwhile, head onwards and upwards and now face Burnley in the fifth round and with it, a chance to gain revenge for their League Cup exit at the hands of Owen Coyle’s men.
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Gibbs, Nasri (Ramsey, 68), Song, Denilson, Vela (Bischoff, 74), Eduardo (van Persie, 67), Bendtner.
Cardiff City: Heaton, McNaughton, Rae (Scimeca, 74), Purse (Blake, 68, Johnson, Parry (Whittingham, 68), Ledley, Kennedy, Burke, Bothroyd, McCormack.
GOALS
4-0 Arsenal (van Persie, 89)
3-0 Arsenal (Eduardo, 60 pen)
2-0 Arsenal (Bendtner, 33)
1-0 Arsenal (Eduardo, 20)
Having endured a goalless draw 22 days ago, Arsenal and Cardiff City met again at the Emirates Stadium aiming to book themselves a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup and a date with Burnley.
Yet there was no doubt what the main talking point of the night was always going to be; the return of Arsenal striker Eduardo, back in the side after a year out with injury.
Certainly the Croatian began the game brightly, as did the home side, and they might have been ahead as early as the fifth minute.
Bacary Sagna found space down the right and crossed for Nicolas Bendtner, who had pulled off the back of Roger Johnson to find space, but could only direct his header wide.
Moments later and Bendtner had another opportunity, Eduardo set up Carlos Vela for the shot which Tom Heaton parried. However, the Dane collected the loose ball but could only fire straight at the Cardiff stopper.
Even so, Arsenal were rampant in the opening exchanges and mid-way through the first half they finally had their reward, and fittingly it was Eduardo who found the back of the net.
The striker began the move, bearing down on goal on the left flank before slipping a ball to the overlapping Vela.
The Mexican advanced before clipping an inviting return ball back to Eduardo to head past the despairing dive of Heaton and send the home crowd into raptures.
The Gunners continued to press and just after the half hour mark they doubled their lead. A corner in from the right by Samir Nasri found Bendtner running off the back post, unnoticed, to head home.
Yet Bendtner really ought to have put the game beyond the Bluebirds right on half-time. Another superb delivery from the right by Sagna found Vela, taking a touch before swiveling and shooting at Heaton.
The Cardiff keeper parried the shot but only into the Dane’s path yet with the goal gaping he conspired to hit the post before collecting the rebound and shooting straight at Heaton who saved again and the chance went begging.
The second half continued in much the same vein and on the hour mark Arsenal finally put the game out of sight.
A scramble in the Cardiff area saw Alex Rae eventually foul Eduardo and referee Mark Halsey pointed straight to the spot.
There was no doubt over who would take the kick and up stepped the Croatian to send Heaton the wrong way for his second goal of the night.
It was to be his last telling contribution of the match as with a little over 20 minutes to go he was substituted to wild applause, with Robin van Persie the man coming on in his place.
The Dutchman had the best chances of the closing stages and finally got his goal with minutes to go with a clinical finish after good work by Bendtner.
The striker then almost grabbed his second of the night but he headed against the post in stoppage time. Yet the night belonged to Eduardo and Arsenal as Cardiff departed North London well beaten.
The Gunners, meanwhile, head onwards and upwards and now face Burnley in the fifth round and with it, a chance to gain revenge for their League Cup exit at the hands of Owen Coyle’s men.
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Gibbs, Nasri (Ramsey, 68), Song, Denilson, Vela (Bischoff, 74), Eduardo (van Persie, 67), Bendtner.
Cardiff City: Heaton, McNaughton, Rae (Scimeca, 74), Purse (Blake, 68, Johnson, Parry (Whittingham, 68), Ledley, Kennedy, Burke, Bothroyd, McCormack.
GOALS
4-0 Arsenal (van Persie, 89)
3-0 Arsenal (Eduardo, 60 pen)
2-0 Arsenal (Bendtner, 33)
1-0 Arsenal (Eduardo, 20)
Wenger Tips Nasri For Success With Arsenal
The young Frenchman is being tipped as 'The New Pires' around north London...
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that his young French star Samir Nasri will go onto become a big success story at the club for years to come.
The 21-year-old moved to Emirates Stadium last summer and has had a quiet start to his first season in the Premier League with flashes of brilliance being shown here and there.
With injuries to creative midfielders Francesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky, the French international of Algerian descent has taken on added responsibility for the team in recent months.
His manager believes that he is in the mould of former Arsenal star Robert Pires, who was instrumental in the side that went 49 Premier League games unbeaten.
Wenger is quoted by The Press Association as saying, "Nasri is meant to have a bright future with Arsenal.People tend to forget that Pires arrived at the age of 27, and Samir was 21. Yes, he reminds me of him, but he can also play in a more central position.
"He is the kind of player that can score, dribble and there is more to come from him, even if I think that he has settled pretty well.
"Creative players are essential in our style of football.
"We want to keep the ball on the ground and pass the ball quickly, as a consequence, we need players capable of making it because right now we face teams that keep with 10 men behind the ball."
With the arrival of Andrei Arshavin at the club, Arsenal now have enough creative players to be able to end the season on a high after a shaky start to the league campaign.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that his young French star Samir Nasri will go onto become a big success story at the club for years to come.
The 21-year-old moved to Emirates Stadium last summer and has had a quiet start to his first season in the Premier League with flashes of brilliance being shown here and there.
With injuries to creative midfielders Francesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky, the French international of Algerian descent has taken on added responsibility for the team in recent months.
His manager believes that he is in the mould of former Arsenal star Robert Pires, who was instrumental in the side that went 49 Premier League games unbeaten.
Wenger is quoted by The Press Association as saying, "Nasri is meant to have a bright future with Arsenal.People tend to forget that Pires arrived at the age of 27, and Samir was 21. Yes, he reminds me of him, but he can also play in a more central position.
"He is the kind of player that can score, dribble and there is more to come from him, even if I think that he has settled pretty well.
"Creative players are essential in our style of football.
"We want to keep the ball on the ground and pass the ball quickly, as a consequence, we need players capable of making it because right now we face teams that keep with 10 men behind the ball."
With the arrival of Andrei Arshavin at the club, Arsenal now have enough creative players to be able to end the season on a high after a shaky start to the league campaign.
Eduardo Warns Arsenal Fans: 'I Have Much Work To Do'
Despite featuring for his adopted country against Romania last night, the Brazilian-born Croatian is taking things steady for the moment
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger today declared that Gunners striker Eduardo Da Silva was "fit and ready to go", ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup fourth round re-match with Welsh outfit Cardiff City on Monday night.
The player came on as a substitute for Croatia last night in their 2-1 friendly victory over Romania, and set up the Croats' winner when he passed for Niko Krancjar to convert the chance.
The 25-year-old is urging caution though, asserting that it will be a little while yet before he is fully fit once more, and believes that supporters should temper their expectations a little before wildly rejoicing at his return, although he was glad to return to senior football.
"Everyone kept asking me about fear, but I’m glad they all saw that I’m not afraid of anything on the pitch and am ready to play," he told English newspaper The Times.
"Only at the moment I went on to the pitch did I feel a little twinge of nerves in the pit of my stomach, but after I got my first touch of the ball, that feeling went away.
"For the second goal, I saw Niko and passed to him. My team-mates all congratulated me, but I have much more work to do if I am to become the old Eduardo."
However, despite the amount of work that clearly lies ahead of him, the Croatian international is appearing keen to get on with things, and is confident that he will be ready soon.
"After this, I would like to play for Arsenal soon," he added.
"I feel good and I showed I’m ready."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger today declared that Gunners striker Eduardo Da Silva was "fit and ready to go", ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup fourth round re-match with Welsh outfit Cardiff City on Monday night.
The player came on as a substitute for Croatia last night in their 2-1 friendly victory over Romania, and set up the Croats' winner when he passed for Niko Krancjar to convert the chance.
The 25-year-old is urging caution though, asserting that it will be a little while yet before he is fully fit once more, and believes that supporters should temper their expectations a little before wildly rejoicing at his return, although he was glad to return to senior football.
"Everyone kept asking me about fear, but I’m glad they all saw that I’m not afraid of anything on the pitch and am ready to play," he told English newspaper The Times.
"Only at the moment I went on to the pitch did I feel a little twinge of nerves in the pit of my stomach, but after I got my first touch of the ball, that feeling went away.
"For the second goal, I saw Niko and passed to him. My team-mates all congratulated me, but I have much more work to do if I am to become the old Eduardo."
However, despite the amount of work that clearly lies ahead of him, the Croatian international is appearing keen to get on with things, and is confident that he will be ready soon.
"After this, I would like to play for Arsenal soon," he added.
"I feel good and I showed I’m ready."
Arsene Wenger Wants Inter Starlet Santon At Arsenal
The Gunners’ manager is hoping to lure the young Inter defender to the Emirates, according to the latest reports.Having only made his senior debut for Inter earlier this year, Davide Santon is already being denoted as one of Italy’s star players for the future.
He made his debut against Roma in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals back in January, and he was certainly an impressive performer in that match, as he held his own and assisted his side to a commendable 2-1 victory in the process.
As a result of his early promise, Arsene Wenger and Arsenal have stepped in to declare their interest in the 18-year-old, as they wish to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.
According to The Daily Mirror, the Arsenal manager will send an emissary to monitor the progress of the young Italian this weekend, as Inter do battle with Milan in the Derby della Madonnina.
If they like what they see, then expect Wenger and the club to pursue their interest a lot further, as they look to bolster their defence for the future.
Fabregas, Adebayor & van Persie To Leave If Arsenal Miss Out On Champions League
A trio of Gunners could flee the Emirates in the summer if results don't improve this term...
The News of the World claims that Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie will hand in transfer requests if Arsenal finish outside the top four this season.
Fabregas has often been linked with Barcelona, where he flourished in the youth ranks before moving to England as a teenager. The injured skipper has denied rumours of an imminent return to his homeland, but he has made no secret of his frustration at sitting in the stands while his side continue to drop points.
Adebayor was expected to leave Ashburton Grove last summer, but the Togolese striker stayed put after he and the board reached a compromise over his wage demands. Milan and Barca were both interested but pulled out after being quoted around €40 million.
A clutch of clubs have been keeping tabs on van Persie's situation, as the Dutchman is currently embroiled in slow-moving negotiations over his contract. Real Madrid are thought to be keen on the classy forward, as are Juventus and Barca.
Arsene Wenger would obviously be highly reluctant to let any of these three players leave, as they constitute the core of the team's forward play, but he may have little choice if things continue on their current path.
An unnamed source was quoted as saying, "There is a real problem developing because the big names are bemused at the way things are going.
"If Arsenal finish outside the top four, there’s no way the likes of Van Persie, Adebayor and Fabregas will hang around. They love playing for Arsene Wenger but they also want to win things.
"And, as things stand, they can’t see that happening. It’s not about how much money they can earn, it’s about winning trophies for these guys."
Arsenal are currently languishing in fifth, four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and some 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The News of the World claims that Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie will hand in transfer requests if Arsenal finish outside the top four this season.
Fabregas has often been linked with Barcelona, where he flourished in the youth ranks before moving to England as a teenager. The injured skipper has denied rumours of an imminent return to his homeland, but he has made no secret of his frustration at sitting in the stands while his side continue to drop points.
Adebayor was expected to leave Ashburton Grove last summer, but the Togolese striker stayed put after he and the board reached a compromise over his wage demands. Milan and Barca were both interested but pulled out after being quoted around €40 million.
A clutch of clubs have been keeping tabs on van Persie's situation, as the Dutchman is currently embroiled in slow-moving negotiations over his contract. Real Madrid are thought to be keen on the classy forward, as are Juventus and Barca.
Arsene Wenger would obviously be highly reluctant to let any of these three players leave, as they constitute the core of the team's forward play, but he may have little choice if things continue on their current path.
An unnamed source was quoted as saying, "There is a real problem developing because the big names are bemused at the way things are going.
"If Arsenal finish outside the top four, there’s no way the likes of Van Persie, Adebayor and Fabregas will hang around. They love playing for Arsene Wenger but they also want to win things.
"And, as things stand, they can’t see that happening. It’s not about how much money they can earn, it’s about winning trophies for these guys."
Arsenal are currently languishing in fifth, four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and some 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Cesc Fabregas Plays Down Barcelona Links
Not for the first time in his Arsenal career, Cesc Fabregas has recently been linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona at the end of the season.
The Spanish international midfielder, who began his career in La Blaugrana's youth ranks, is back in his homeland at present as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
This has led certain sectors of the Spanish press to speculate that he could be on his way back to the Iberian Peninsula in the summer.
The 21-year-old appears to be well aware of the rumours, which is why he has made a conscious effort to stay away from the Camp Nou.
"I'd have liked to have gone to watch Barcelona in the Nou Camp but I wanted to avoid all the speculation on my future," The Sun quote Fabregas as having said.
"Now my only worry is that I recover as soon as possible to return to Arsenal and help my team."
The Spanish international midfielder, who began his career in La Blaugrana's youth ranks, is back in his homeland at present as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
This has led certain sectors of the Spanish press to speculate that he could be on his way back to the Iberian Peninsula in the summer.
The 21-year-old appears to be well aware of the rumours, which is why he has made a conscious effort to stay away from the Camp Nou.
"I'd have liked to have gone to watch Barcelona in the Nou Camp but I wanted to avoid all the speculation on my future," The Sun quote Fabregas as having said.
"Now my only worry is that I recover as soon as possible to return to Arsenal and help my team."
Manchester City Attempted To Loan Nicklas Bendtner
Having failed to sign Blackburn Rovers' Roque Santa Cruz, Manchester City made a last-minute bid for Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner on transfer deadline day, according to a report in British tabloid newspaper The Daily Mail.
Apparently, Citizens manager Mark Hughes was not willing to sanction the £25 million Blackburn were asking for the 6ft 2in Paraguayan striker.
However, the Welsh boss was still keen to add a big target man to his squad and enquired about the availability of Gunners forward Bendtner.
It is thought that a deal may have been possible, but Arsene Wenger was not willing to let the Denmark international leave before the transfer of Andrei Arshavin had been confirmed.
Apparently, Citizens manager Mark Hughes was not willing to sanction the £25 million Blackburn were asking for the 6ft 2in Paraguayan striker.
However, the Welsh boss was still keen to add a big target man to his squad and enquired about the availability of Gunners forward Bendtner.
It is thought that a deal may have been possible, but Arsene Wenger was not willing to let the Denmark international leave before the transfer of Andrei Arshavin had been confirmed.
Arshavin is now officially a Gunner player
Arsenal and the Premier League have confirmed that the Russian has finally swapped Zenit St. Petersburg for the Premier League and signed for the north London outfit, in a move that Sky Sports News reports as being worth £17 million.A club statement from the Gunners, released in the last few minutes, read: "Arsenal FC is delighted to announce that Andrei Arshavin has joined from Zenit St. Petersburg on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee."
The Premier League reportedly ratified the paperwork this afternoon, and the player can now, at last, ink a deal that Zenit affirm has cost Arsenal £16.95 million.
That fee breaks down into a £15 million transfer fee, with a further £1.5 million paid as compensation for the player breaking a long-term contract. In addition, Zenit will receive £450,000 as an 'unpaid bonus' that Arshavin would have received were he to have remained in St. Petersburg.
Outside the Emirates Stadium, where eager Arsenal fans shivered in the cold on the streets where many had been waiting for final confirmation of the deal, news of the signing was received with enthusiasm. Fans spoke warmly of Arshavin's "experience" and "pace", saying that the Russian would provide a "massive boost" in the side's hunt for fourth place in the Premier League, and would certainly prove a "good signing."
Arshavin will wear the number 23 shirt for the Gunners.
Andrei Arshavin Leaving London
The latest news indicates that Andrei Arshavin is trying to escape from snowy London.Sky Sports News reports that the Zenit St. Petersburg star has failed to come anywhere close to agreeing permanent terms with Arsenal, who are offering around half of his current deal.
Now, the gutted forward has apparently left his hotel in order to travel to a London airport, where a private jet is waiting to take him back to Russia.
However, the 27-year-old could be grounded for some time yet, as the weather conditions could keep his plane out of action.
Regardless, the reports suggest that sources close to the clubs and the player understand that the deal is virtually dead and that Arshavin - only in London in order to be on hand in case a medical was required - will abandon his ambition to secure a huge move this month
Andrei Arshavin, to Manchester City Or Arsenal
Manchester City are reportedly set to beat Arsenal in the race for Zenit St Petersburg striker Andrei Arshavin, according to the Sunday Mirror.Zenit have previously admitted they have been in discussions with the Gunners over a proposed transfer for Arshavin and it had been reported that the Russian side rejected Arsenal’s initial bid.
Whilst the Gunners are believed to have returned with an improved offer, they still appear to have fallen short of Zenit’s asking price with the striker’s wage demands also a potential problem.
However, City, who appear to have limitless financial resources following their takeover, are reportedly ready to hijack the deal and bring Arshavin to Eastlands.
The Sunday Mirror reports that the Sky Blues have agreed an £18 million deal with Zenit and that club official’s have also met with the striker and agreed to meet his wage demands.
Should the report prove to be correct it would undoubtedly be a huge blow to Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger, who appeared to have made Arshavin their primary transfer target.City, meanwhile, have already added Wayne Bridge to their ranks from Chelsea, yet have been frustrated so far in their attempts to add further players to their squad.
A bid for Blackburn Rovers’ striker Roque Santa Cruz has been rejected by Sam Allardyce's men and the Sky Blues have also so far failed in their attempts to sign West Ham United pair Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy
