Reports in the Italian press, quoted by AFP suggest that the Nicolas Anelka transfer is almost complete. According to Corriere dello Sport, Anelka met Wenger in Paris on Sunday evening, at which Anelka insisted he would not be returning.

Anelka's agents then contacted Lazio to put the seal on the personal terms of the transfer; 'the club (Lazio) is now awaiting a fax from Arsenal to confirm that the deal is done,' says AFP, 'with the player expected to arrive in Rome on Friday.'

Other reports suggest that Lazio are still undecided as to whether they opt for Anelka or Claudio Lopez from Valencia. And this wouldn't exactly be the first time the Italian papers got a transfer story wrong - but it all seems rather well founded for once. We'll keep you informed.