Arsenal Team and Transfer News – 30th August 2011

• Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has thanked away fans for their support during the humiliation at Manchester United.

Van Persie is taking consolation from Arsenal's supporters, who continued to sing proudly throughout the hammering.
He said: "That is one really positive thing. They were cheering us up all game for 90 minutes. We really appreciate that.
"Sometimes you see fans leaving early but I did not see that. When we went to the fans to thank them after the game, it looked like every seat was still full.
"That was a good feeling. I love that. It really cheered us up."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has apologised to fans after their humiliation at Manchester United.

The Gunners conceded eight goals for the first time since 1896 as they suffered a catastrophic 8-2 loss at Manchester United.
"The fans do not want to see their team like that," Wenger said.
"We can only apologise and come back in our strength and desire in the next game.
"Big scores are humiliating and difficult to swallow but I don't think they have a special meaning.
"They are always under special circumstances."

• Arsene Wenger blanked his players after Arsenal's 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United.

He chose not to say anything to his team in the dressing-room at the end of their Manchester United nightmare, much to the bemusement of senior players.
And influential members of the board have also expressed bewilderment at the Frenchman's delayed entry into the transfer market, despite having been given the go-ahead to spend heavily.

• Arsenal captain Robin van Persie says the players should accept Manchester United were six goals better than them after Sunday's 8-2 humiliation.

Van Persie accepts his team-mates have to face up to some pretty harsh facts.
"It is an honest result if you look at the game," said the Gunners captain.
"It sounds crazy maybe but Manchester United were much better than us and they punished us hard.
"We were simply not good enough. We have to deal with that.
"I don't think we can hide behind injuries or suspensions. It is no excuse. They had injuries too, this is football."

• Arsenal fans who attended Sunday’s shambolic performance at Old Trafford will be compensated according to a club statement.

3,000 Gunners supporters made the trip north to Manchester to see their team humiliated 8-2 by reigning English champions Manchester United and in the wake of the worst loss in Arsene Wenger’s rein, the club have decided to offer free tickets to another away match for those who were in attendance.
"Arsenal Football Club has announced it will be writing to fans who travelled to Old Trafford on Sunday with an offer to cover the cost of a match ticket at a future Barclays Premier League away game," a club statement read.
"Sunday's result was obviously disappointing for everyone connected with the club. Our travelling fans were magnificent throughout and we want to recognise their fantastic support. We will be writing to them shortly with the details."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects to complete the signing of Fenerbahce defender Andre Santos today.

Andre Santos is joining Arsenal for £6.2 million.
Wenger made his move for the attacking 28-year-old Fenerbahce defender, who has scored 10 goals in 52 games since joining from Corinthians and has 22 Brazil caps, immediately after their mauling at Manchester United.
He is expected to have a medical with Arsenal on Tuesday before completing a four-year deal worth £40,000 a week.

• Arsenal have made a sensational move for Inter Milan ace Wesley Sneijder.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has enquired about Inter Milan midfielder Sneijder, although his £250,000 wages would represent a serious hurdle.
Inter would still like to shift the Dutchman to finance a deadline day deal for Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.
Sneijder last night refused to rule out a deadline departure from Inter

• Arsenal are launching a double bid on Chelsea for defender Alex and winger Florent Malouda.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has lined up an £8million move for Chelsea's French midfielder Malouda.
Wenger is desperate to strengthen his squad after Sunday's humiliating 8-2 defeat at Manchester United.
He has also offered £7m for Chelsea's Brazilian centre-back Alex and has asked about his midfield team-mate Yossi Benayoun.
Chelsea want £10m for Alex, 29, but the Arsenal board believe they can land their man for less.

• Arsenal have not given up on landing Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger stormed into the transfer market last night as he launched his rebuilding programme.
And with the transfer window closing tomorrow night, he has not given up on Bolton defender Cahill.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is prepared to sell midfielder Henri Lansbury.

QPR have joined Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City in the race to sign Lansbury.
The England U21 international helped Norwich win promotion from the Championship last season.