Arsenal's battle to keep hold of wantaway midfielder Samir Nasri appears destined to reach a messy conclusion, with the Frenchman saying he will "certainly leave very soon" with "bitterness and anger in my heart".GettyImagesSamir Nasri appears set to leave Arsenal• Cesc signs for Barcelona• Shakhtar: Arsenal want Jadson• Mancini frustrated by Nasri delayNasri has been pursued by Manchester City throughout the current transfer window, and with contract extension talks at Arsenal long since stalling, the 24-year-old appears set to leave the Emirates on less than amicable terms.Arsene Wenger had hoped the club could hold on to Nasri, but recently admitted the Gunners were not in a strong position to retain his services.Nasri, posting on what the club understands to be his personal Facebook
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FA dismisses Gervinho appeal
Arsenal forward Gervinho has had his three-game ban for violent conduct upheld by the Football Association after his appeal was dismissed.GettyImagesArsenal's £10.5 million debutant Gervinho is sent off following a tussle with Joey Barton• Toon, Arsenal charged by FAGervinho, a summer signing from Lille, was given a straight red card after slapping Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton during Saturday's goalless draw at St James' Park. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed the club's intention to appeal the dismissal, but the Frenchman has seen the ban upheld, meaning Gervinho will miss the games against Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea.A melee ensued following Gervinho's confrontation with Barton, and the FA subsequently charged both clubs with failing to control their players. Newcastle have revealed they will
Robin Van Persie handed captain’s armband
Arsene Wenger hailed the leadership qualities of Robin van Persie after confirming the Dutchman will be Arsenal's new captain.GettyImagesRobin van Persie has replaced Cesc Fabregas as Arsenal's new captain• Toon, Arsenal charged by FA• Cesc tips young duo to shineVan Persie takes over from Cesc Fabregas following the Spain international's move to Barcelona, assuming the role of captain seven years after he moved to the Gunners.Wenger announced his decision in the pre-match programme notes for Arsenal's Champions League qualifier with Udinese. Van Persie is suspended for the match after the fallout to Arsenal's exit at the hands of Barcelona last season, so his reign will effectively start in the weekend's league clash with Liverpool.Thomas Vermaelen has been confirmed as vice-captain, meaning the
Atletico want Falcao and could sell Forlan
Atletico Madrid have confirmed their interest in Porto striker Falcao and acknowledged the deal could lead to Diego Forlan's departure.GettyImagesRadamel Falcao has stated his desire to join Atletico Madrid• Falcao keen on Atleti moveAtletico are currently rebuilding the squad following the sale of Sergio Aguero to Manchester City, and Falcao recently confirmed he would welcome a move to the Rojiblancos. Reports in several Portuguese newspapers say Porto have been left stunned by Falcao's statement, while Atleti president Enrique Cerezo told Rádio Renascença: "Of course I'm happy to hear a player say he wants to play here."Forlan has long been linked with a move away from the Vicente Calderon and, with Inter Milan said to have expressed an interest as they seek
Bradley lands PGA after play-off win
History was made in Atlanta as little-known Keegan Bradley, who was five shots behind with only three holes left and in the first major of his life, beat fellow American Jason Dufner in a three-hole play-off to become USPGA champion. Not only is Bradley the first player to capture a major with a long putter, but also seven majors in a row have now been taken by first-time winners - and that has not happened before either. How it was Bradley and not Dufner, however, almost defied belief. The 25-year-old, whose aunt Pat won six majors and is in the sport's Hall of Fame, looked to have blown his chances of
Mancini wary of Man City starting slowly
Roberto Mancini is wary of Manchester City making another slow start in the Premier League as they prepare to kick-off their campaign against newly promoted Swansea.GettyImagesIt stinks: Roberto Mancini has been frustrated by the failure to complete his squad by the start of the season• Mancini frustrated by Nasri delay• Mancini expects Tevez to stay• Manchester City season previewMancini complained last week that his squad was not yet complete just days out from the start of the season as City continue their pursuit of Arsenal star Samir Nasri. The Italian followed this rant by suggesting the unfinished squad could get out of the blocks in shaky fashion, as they did last campaign, making their dream of a Premier League title that much more
Pardew unsure if Barton will face Arsenal
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has yet to decide if Joey Barton will play this weekend, and warned players the use of Twitter is "dangerous". Alan Pardew speaks to ESPN • Newcastle v Arsenal preview• PLAY Premier League fantasyBarton was placed on the transfer list, for free, just under two weeks ago after a spat with Pardew during a pre-season game against Leeds was followed by a Twitter rant against the board. The two parties declared a truce, and Pardew is considering putting him in the team to face Arsenal, which is live on ESPN in the UK.The midfielder was an inspirational figure in the Premier League game against the Gunners last season, helping to transform a 4-0 half-time deficit into a 4-4