Arsenal linked to 5ft 5in Italian midfielder Giovinco

Come and get me, is the message from Sebastian Giovinco to Arsenal. The Juventus midfielder is reportedly anxious to escape the clutches of the Old Lady of Turin, and has instructed his representatives to let that fact be known in a certain part of North London. "If the interest of Arsenal is concrete, Giovinco would be interested because Arsenal are one of the top clubs in Europe," said the player's agent Luca Pasqualin, who then appeared to address the Gunners boss directly. "If I hear of something directly from Arsene Wenger or a representative from Arsenal we would put all our attention on to the situation."

The 23-year-old Giovinco – all 5ft 5in of him – was a member of Italy's Olympic squad in 2008 but has yet to break into the national side, though that might change following Italy's appalling performance in last month's World Cup.

But if Juventus were hoping they might be able to swap Giovinco for Gael Clichy, they can think again, because according to the Daily Express the French left-back is going nowhere. Having been linked with a number of mainland European clubs during the summer, the 25-year-old Clichy is reportedly staying put at the Emirates, perhaps realising he needs to get his head down and get back into the French team after being one of those players axed en masse by new coach Laurent Blanc following the World Cup mutiny. The Express says Clichy believes the Gunners are on the brink of greatness and wants to be part of a title-winning side.

Every great title-winning side needs a great goalkeeper of course, and Arsene Wenger does not believe he currently has one, which is why is continuing to chase Italian stopper Federico Marchetti of Cagliari. His club president, Massimo Cellino, claims to have received a call from the Gunners who, he says, are keen to push through a deal for the player, valued at around £5m.

One man who has blown his chance as far as winning titles is concerned is ageing warhorse Sol Campbell. The once great Gunner  yesterday confirmed he has joined Newcastle on a year’s deal, a team whose last major trophy was the FA Cup – in 1955, when not even Campbell was born. "At this stage of my career I couldn't have wished for a better move," said 35-year-old in a curious piece of logic. "To join a club such as Newcastle, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me."

And on the subject of has-beens, former Spain striking sensation Raul has snubbed a move to the Premier League by signing a two-year deal with German minnows Schalke. The 33-year-old Raul, who waved goodbye to Real Madrid this week after 18 years of moderate success, will see out his career in the  Bundesliga

Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo – the deluded rag that still insists Cesc Fabregas is on his way to Barcelona – is now saying Inter Milan want to steal Argentine Sergio Aguero from under the noses of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City, the three clubs that have been competing for the signature of the 22-year-old frontman. Apparently, Inter are about to offer Atletico Madrid around £33m for Aguero, voted FIFA young player of the year in 2007. Finally, the Daily Mirror is adamant that Liverpool have already identified the replacement for Javier Mascherano, the Argentine who wants out of Anfield. And that man is Aston Villa midfield general Stiliyan Petrov. The Bulgarian bulldozer is the no-nonsense sort of player that Reds boss Roy Hodgson admires and the Mirror says he's about to offer Villa £7m for the services of the 30-year-old, using the money they make from selling Mascherano to Inter Milan. ·