Arsenal miss out on Alcantara

Arsenal have missed out on the coveted signature of Barcelona youngster Thiago Alcantara. The midfielder has been linked with a move to the Emirates but the Spain under 21 youngster has yesterday penned a new contract at the Nou Camp.

Alcantara said: "It's a dream to continue with this team and this club. I am really happy. Now It’s time to share it with my family. I never thought about leaving. I’ve always wanted to be here.

"The club has already done everything for me. They’ve trained me, I’ve come up through the youth ranks, they trusted me to play last season in the first team, and they offered to renew my contract. Now it’s up to me to prove that I can play for Barcelona and help the team to stay at the top."