Arsenal are considering offering Steven Appiah a contract after the player admitted he would relish a move to the Premier League. The Ghana international is now a free agent after being released by Turkish side Fenerbahce and can still sign for any outside the transfer window.

Arsene Wenger is keen to add to his midfield options after missing out on Gareth Barry and Xabi Alonso during August and Appiah looks a suitable candidate. The 27-year old has also been linked with a move to West Ham United in recent days but as yet nothing has materialised and Appiah has welcomed the interest from the Gunners.

“There are contracts, there are talks – I can’t say anything yet,” said Appiah. “I am not going to put people off, my agents are talking so I have nothing else to say.” I personally think Appiah is a tremendous midfield player who would benifit a lot of sides in England, including Arsenal. He wouldn’t cost the club a penny (apart from his wages) and I feel he could prove to be an excellent signing.

Arsenal have completed the extraordinary signing of Mikael Silvestre from title rivals Manchester United. The 31-year-old French international signs up at the Emirates on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee…

Arsenal have confirmed that the transfer took place this evening, having already awarded the experienced stopper the number 18 shirt.

Silvestre told the official club website upon his arrival at the Emirates, “I’ve spent a large part of my career at United, the last nine years, and I’ll remember that time fondly but feel I’m ready for a new challenge.

“Arsenal is known for playing technical and skilful football, and has a young but experienced squad. I’m really excited about this next stage of my career, hopefully playing my part in helping the Club to new successes.”

Manager and countryman Arsene Wenger added, “We have a strong squad but a young squad and Mikael’s versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours this season.

“His defensive adaptability will serve us well and it’s a big plus that Mikael has top level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League.”

Late Approach

The move had the hallmarks of a whirlwind transfer about it, given that until late last night Silvestre’s most likely destination appeared to be United’s local rivals, Manchester City.

However reports then surfaced that Wenger had a particular fondness for the 31-year-old, who has vast experience of English football after nine seasons at Old Trafford.

Prior to that the versatile stopper had a middling season with Inter, whom he joined from Rennes after three campaigns with Rennes in the French league.

A retired international, Silvestre garnered 40 caps for Les Bleus between 2001 and 2007, winning two Confederations Cups and playing in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.

Ref From Steve Michaels, Goal.com

Stoke City have confirmed the signing of Southampton defender Andrew Davies.

Stoke City’s chief executive, Tony Scholes, has predicted that defender Andrew Davies will prove to be a ‘valuable addition’ to the Pottters’ squad.

The 23-year-old Davies finally completed his transfer from Championship side Southampton today, signing a four-year contract at the Britannia Stadium for an undisclosed fee after successfully coming through a medical on Monday evening.

Davies had only joined Southampton on loan from Middlesbrough last October, subsequently agreeing a permanent move in January. He made 25 appearances for the Saints, and has been sidelined for the opening games of this season as he recovers from a knee operation earlier in the summer.

Davies follows Dave Kitson, Seyi Olofinjana, Amdy Faye, Thomas Sorensen and Abdoulaye Faye through the in-door at the Britannia Stadium.

“Andy comes to us with considerable Premier League experience for a player of his age,” Scholes told Stoke’s official website.

“He is our sixth signing of the summer and another valuable addition to Tony Pulis’ squad.”

Ref From Mark Hinton, Goal.com