William Gallas Pledges Arsenal Allegiance While Defender Naldo Is Linked

The Frenchman rules out a reunion with Jose Mourinho.

Jul 1, 2009 10:50:09 AM

EPL: William Gallas, Arsenal v Portsmouth (PA)

Despite losing the captain's armband during the early stages of last season, William Gallas has been swift to quell the recent gossip that suggested the former Chelsea defender was keen to reunite with former boss Jose Mourinho at Serie A club Inter.

"I am at Arsenal, my contract is still valid for a year, so I am an Arsenal player," Gallas is reported to have told The Daily Mail. "We have not talked about renewing the contract, but I am relaxed and looking forward to next season with Arsenal."

There could be numerous ins-and-outs in the Gunners' rearguard. Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen, formerly of Ajax, has already been welcomed to north London, while Ivorian international Kolo Toure is still believed to be on the radar of money-laden Manchester City.

Should Wenger decide to cash in on either of his elder defensive statesmen - Gallas or Toure - then a move for Werder Bremen centre-back Naldo could be on the cards.

"Naldo is a great athlete and could do well at the right club, unfortunately he doesn't fit the direction we're planning to move in any longer," Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf explained to a club insider.

"We expect to move him for somewhere in the region of €10 million, and English side Arsenal is as of now the most likely destination."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
Follow Goal.com on Twitter
Follow Goal.com on Facebook
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Comments
26 Comments
 
Advertisement
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. RIGG: Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is certainly no Mr. February RIGG: Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is certainly no Mr. February

    The Swedish striker traditionally struggles in February. Facing a three-match ban this month, the jinx looks set to continue.

  2. DEMPSEY'S DIARY: Playing in the World Cup was the ultimate dream DEMPSEY'S DIARY: Playing in the World Cup was the ultimate dream

    In his latest diary entry for Goal.com, the U.S. international and Fulham midfielder talks about playing in his first World Cup despite a back injury and what it meant to score.

  3. ROGERS: Capello resigns as coach, but the villain is FA chairman Bernstein ROGERS: Capello resigns as coach, but the villain is FA chairman Bernstein

    Capello and John Terry are far from blameless in the England saga, but the real culprit is the FA chairman.

  4. LABIDOU: Is MLS falling behind? The league's new younger direction LABIDOU: Is MLS falling behind? The league's new younger direction

    With high-profile players like Nicolas Anelka and Luca Toni rejecting MLS for other developing leagues, is the league falling behind its competition?

  5. POLL: Should Copa America 'Vanishing Spray' be introduced globally? POLL: Should Copa America 'Vanishing Spray' be introduced globally?

    The spray, which has been designed to stop defensive walls from encroaching closer than 10 yards to the ball at free kicks, is set to be discussed at next month's IFAB meeting.

 
Advertisement
Advertisement