Arsenal must fight Inter for winger Andre Ayew

ARSENAL have a battle on their hands if they're to sign Andre Ayew from Marseille. According to the Metro, the Gunners have been eyeing the 21-year-old for several weeks with a view to bringing him to the Emirates as cover for Gervinho when he's away playing for the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations.
But suddenly Inter Milan have got it into their heads that the Ghanaian could be a welcome addition to their side and as a result a battle is looming when January's transfer window opens.

Gunners fans will be hopeful. Ayew, who's believed to come with a £12m price tag, says the Emirates would be his preferred destination. "There is everything [at Arsenal]," he said. "The stadium, the players, the training ground, the budget and the image of the club that makes a lot of players dream."

Meanwhile the agent of Marouane Chamakh has denied rumours that his client might be on his way out of Arsenal. Reports emerged last week that the misfiring Moroccan could be headed towards Roma but Pierre Frelot denied such tittle-tattle in an interview with calciomercato.it. "The news about Marouane and Roma is absolutely unfounded," stormed Frelot. "My client is happy at Arsenal and will remain here. There is no doubt."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also weighed in, telling reporters that he values the former Bordeaux frontman. "Marouane is not going anywhere. There is not a problem with Chamakh. He is fighting for the position with Robin van Persie, who is in great form at the moment. He will get his chance; there are so many games at the moment."

In other news, the Sun claims that LA Galaxy are still trying to hold on to David Beckham despite the former England midfielder being linked with a bevy of clubs when his contract expires next month.

"David likes LA, he knows where he is at this point in his career and I think the chances are 50-50," Galaxy boss Bruce Arena told the paper. "Once the season is over we'll both be in a position to try to extend the relationship."

Beckham, now 36, is believed to be mulling over a lucrative 18-month deal with Paris Saint Germain while also considering the possibility of a return to the Premier League with either Tottenham or QPR.

Finally the People says that Chelsea will swoop for Everton sensation Ross Barkley in the New Year in a £20m transfer. Apparently Blues owner Roman Abramovich has ordered manager Andre Villas-Boas to make a move for the 17-year-old, news that will be a blow for Arsenal and Manchester City who were both said to be chasing Barkley. What Abramovich wants, Abramovich normally gets. ·