Arsenal are furious at the breakdown of Alex Manninger's move to Espanyol. According to Soccernet, the whole affair will be reported to FIFA.

Vice chairman David Dein is astonished at Espanyol's behaviour: "They entered into a contract with us on July 3 - and Alex has been with them since the 15th.

"He passed his medical the following day and indeed has played several friendly matches for the club."

Dein believes the Spanish club are trying to escape the terms Manninger has been promised: "We understand over the past week they have tried to renegotiate the terms of the agreement with the player - naturally without success.

"We are appalled by the whole affair and will now leave it to FIFA and the lawyers."

Meanwhile, manager Arsène Wenger has ruled out using Manninger this season, as that the matter is a concern for Arsenal's lawyers and not the manager...