Barcelona for Ibrahim Afellay

Transfer Talk: Gunners face competition for Dutch midfielder. Macheda to stay at Man United

It will come as no surprise to the long-suffering Arsene Wenger that Arsenal target Ibrahim Afellay, currently with PSV Eidnhoven, is being courted by the Gunners' bete noire, Barcelona, with the Spanish giants believed to be keen to sign the 24-year-old Dutchman in the summer.

The attacking midfielder has been linked with a move to the Gunners for several months but as usual Barcelona have muscled in on Arsenal's territory. And now it seems the Catalans are roping in others to do their dirty work for them; in an interview with Spanish rag Sport, former Barca and PSV legend Philip Cocu has encouraged Afellay to head to the Nou Camp instead of the Emirates: "I think Afellay would suit Barcelona's game," simpered Cocu, adding: "He is technically a very good player who uses both feet well. He can play in different positions... He has many options, but the important thing is your philosophy, and how the club you join helps you further develop your football. It is logical, from where he is concerned, to go to Barcelona."

Logic seems to have gone out of the window as far as former Arsenal favourite Robert Pires is concerned. Having been linked earlier in the week with a move to Aston Villa, it now appears the 37-year-old Frenchman, who is keeping himself fit by training with the Gunners, would rather join Muangthong United. No, we hadn't heard of them either but apparently they're a big cheese in the Thai Premier League and that's where Pires could soon be plying his trade. "I have been searching for new players from Europe to join our squad next season," said Robert Procureur, the Belgian-born manager of Muangthong. "I knew Robert Pires from when I visited Arsene Wenger a few years ago and I have already discussed with some people from Arsenal the possibility of bringing Pires to the Thai Premier League. At the moment we are interested in and will try hard to convince him to join Muangthong United."

It might not please Wayne Rooney but according to Federico Macheda's agent, the 19-year-old Italian intends to remain at Old Trafford. Macheda made the headlines last month in describing Manchester United teammate Rooney as a "chav" [though he later blamed it on a "translation error"], but unfortunately the teenage striker has thus far failed to make a similar impression on the pitch since joining United in 2008. Nonetheless Macheda's agent, Giovanni Bia, says the young Italian won't be leaving the club in January despite interest from AC Milan, Juventus and Roma. Speaking to website Calciomercato.it, Bia said: "I was in Manchester two weeks ago and I spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson and a discussion to sell him was not even considered. Ferguson is counting on Macheda, he wanted him at Manchester, he maintains that if everything goes well then Macheda can become one of the strongest. Therefore it is impossible that Manchester United will sell him in January."

Croatian rag Jutarnji reckons midfielder Niko Kranjcar could be about to jump ship at Spurs and join German outfit Bayern Munich. Jutarnji reports that Bayern are worried about the strength of their midfield and are actively scouting for reinforcements, and their gaze has alighted upon the 26-year-old Kranjcar. According to Jutarnji Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger is in the throes of preparing an offer for Kranjcar in the New Year, although no figure has been mentioned as to the possible transfer fee. Kranjcar joined Tottenham Hotspur from Portsmouth last year and quickly established himself as a first-team regular. But this season game time has been harder to come by, what with the arrival of Rafael van der Vaart from Real Madrid, and Kranjcar is rumoured to be seeking more action at another club. Everton, Juventus and Newcastle have also expressed an interest