Arsenal prepare to unveil new signing Chamakh

The worst kept secret in European football could be about to be confirmed... Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh's long awaited move to Arsenal.

The clubs had agreed to keep the move under wraps (officially) as there was the chance of them meeting in the Champions League final. But now both teams are out of the competition the deal is expected to be announced to a stunned footballing world.

It was widely reported that the Moroccan-born striker had signed a four-year deal with the Gunners earlier this week, leaving Bordeaux on a free transfer. The only remaining question seems to be if the deal is really going to net him £12m.

Alexandre Pato will not be joining Chelsea. That's the emphatic message from the Brazilian striker's agent. The AC Milan frontman has been linked with the London club for several weeks but Gilmar Veloz has laughed off suggestions that his client might be about to leave Italy after three seasons at the San Siro.

When asked about the speculation by Italian reporters, Veloz retorted: "Chelsea? These are only market rumours. There is nothing true. He has a deal with Milan and he feels good in Milan." The news will disappoint the Blues as the 20-year-old Pato has been in blistering form this season for the Serie A club, scoring 14 goals in 28 appearances. That strike rate is representative of his overall record for AC Milan with Pato averaging a goal every other game since he arrived at the San Siro in 2007. And with the youngster set to feature for Brazil during the World Cup his market value will likely soar.

Another player said to be happy with his lot is Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic. Despite the Reds' dispiriting defeat to Bayern Munich last night, the big Serb is reportedly intending to remain at Old Trafford. Rumours have been rife throughout much of the season that Vidic and Alex Ferguson don't see eye to eye, but nonetheless the 28-year-old centre-back has been a regular starter and took time out to dismiss tittle-tattle that he's thinking of heading to AC Milan. "I have never said anything about wanting to leave," said Vidic. "The speculation has all been generated by other people. I think one reason it went on for so long was because I was injured and didn't have many chances to speak out about the issue." However, now Vidic is fighting fit he is keen to reiterate his allegiance to United."I haven't spoken to any other clubs. United is a great club. I have had a lot of success and made a name for myself here."

Reports emanating from Italy suggest that Chelsea and Manchester City are set for a squabble over Bari defender Leonardo Bonucci. Rome rag Il Messaggero says that the two Premier League clubs have been keeping tabs on the 6ft 2in Italian stallion, even sending scouts to watch him ply his trade in Serie A. And they've been impressed with what they've seen of the 22-year-old central defender. Bonucci has helped Bari shore up their defence and keep them in contention for qualification to next season's Europa league.

It's an Italian media source also responsible for indicating that Liverpool are one of the clubs in the market for another Serie A player – Lazio full-back Aleksandar Kolarov. But Tuttomercatoweb.com says the Reds  have competition from other European heavyweights. The 24-year-old Belgrade-born left-back has impressed for Lazio this season, even though the Rome club are enduring a poor run by their own standards. Threatened with relegation, the Italian site reports that Kolarov is eager to jump ship, and Lazio seem him as a potential cash cow inlight of their current financial strife.  "I find that different clubs are interested in me every day when I open the newspapers," Kolarov is quoted as saying. "The interest from Real Madrid, Liverpool and Inter cannot but flatter me. However, so far there has never been anything concrete."

Talking of Liverpool, the Daily Mirror reports that Feyenoord teenage sensation Georginio Wijnaldum fantasizes about running out at Anfield. The 19-year-old midfielder – predictably labelled a "wonderkid" by his admirers - has been in superlative touch for the Dutch side this season, who apparently have said he comes with a £5m price tag. That would be beer money for Liverpool, and Wijnaldum hopes they splash the cash. "It's my dream to play in a big league and England would be the perfect choice. To follow in the footsteps of Dirk Kuyt would be sensational. He triumphed at Feyenoord and has had great success at Liverpool." ·