The Mirror says that we're prepeared to offload Jeffers if a suitable bid is tabled. They quote £6million as the "suitable" figure, and say that Middlesbrough are front runners. It'd be a big shame, as his chances seem to be coming more often these days (not sure if he's ahead of Kanu in the pecking order yet, but he's no longer behind him). As yet there seems no real reason to believe this story. Seems to me that with trophies to hunt on 3 fronts, Arsenal are unlikely to let Franny go unless they could sign a replacement who wasn't cup-tied.

Another exciting English prospect that the papers are trying to sell off for us is Matthew Upson. There's been a lot of speculation that he's off to Birmingham. But as far as I can tell, the latest is that he's staying. Upson's agent says that Wenger wants him to stay at Highbury, and Matty still wants to prove he can be an Arsenal player. Stick around son, if you can stay injury free then the chance will come (as it always would have). According to the Guardian, a deal was agreed at board level but rejected by both Upson and Wenger, which is encouraging.

The 2 players on loan at Brighton are both attracting a lot of interest due to their impressive performances for the struggling Sussex side.

Steven Sidwell was wanted by Stoke, but following a visit there he appears to want to look elsewhere.

Reading are reported to have offered an initial £75000 (but but with "so many add-ons that we'll probably have to pay another £10,000 when he kicks the ball with his right foot and £10,000 when he kicks it with his left", according to the Royals boss). The offer has been matched by Brighton. According to Ananova, the offers are acceptable to Arsenal and "Sidwell must now decide whether he wants to sign a contract with either club - or remain on loan with Brighton for the rest of the season". Albion would be using a transfer fund set up by their fans. Sidwell missed their cup defeat at Norwich on Tuesday because he was having talks in Reading. Norwich, incidentally, have also been linked with Sidwell.

The other player at Brighton, Graham Barrett, is wanted by Preston who say they have agreed a deal with Arsenal and that Barrett is going to decide on Monday. But there are suggestions that the player would prefer to stay at Albion for now.

Defender Liam Chilvers has gone for a trial at Colchester, with a view to a loan spell there.

Another young Arsenal player has had his football career tragically cut short. England U17 midfielder Jamie O'Hara has sadly joined Tottenham. Our commiserations go out to him and his family.