Arsenal signs five to new contracts

LONDON — Arsenal has secured the futures of five key players, with Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey, and Carl Jenkinson signing new deals.

Arsenal has lost a string of top talent in recent years, including Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas.

But Wednesday's announcement of new long-term contracts for five players comes after Arsenal rose to fifth in the English Premier League by beating Reading 5-2 on Monday following its worst start to a season since Arsene Wenger took charge in 1996.

"We are delighted that these five young players have all signed new long-term contracts," Wenger said. "The plan is to build a team around a strong basis of young players, in order to get them to develop their talent at the club.

"Jack is certainly the best known, the leader of this group — but the other four players are exceptional footballers, and we're very happy that we could conclude their new deals at the same time."

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Arsenal showing interest in midfielder Kagawa

LONDON — Arsenal are showing interest in Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa, British newspapers reported Friday.

The 23-year-old Kagawa has yet to sign an extension with reigning two-time Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund, who have offered him a new three-year deal, doubling his pay to €3 million per season.

Both The Sun and Daily Mail said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking into signing Kagawa, who is also reportedly drawing interest from Manchester United, Chelsea as well as AC Milan.

The Gunners are currently loaning out another Japanese midfielder, Ryo Miyaichi, to Bolton Wanderers, and have signed former international Junichi Inamoto in the past.

Kagawa has said he will announce a decision on his future after Saturday's German Cup final at home to Bayern Munich.

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Striker Henry rejoins Arsenal

London — Thierry Henry will look to enhance his legendary status at Arsenal after completing a loan move on Friday to the English club he graced for eight years.

The former France striker had to wait a week to secure his two-month switch as Arsenal finalized insurance agreements with the New York Red Bulls, Henry's club in Major League Soccer.

Henry, who scored a club-record 226 goals for Arsenal between 1999-2007, could begin his second spell by playing in Monday's F.A. Cup third-round match against Leeds.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said "we will have Thierry for January and in February . . . I am sure during these two months he will be a massive asset to the team in the dressing room and on the pitch."

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Kroenke takes control of Arsenal

LONDON (AP) American businessman Stan Kroenke secured a controlling stake in Arsenal, clearing the way for a full takeover that would make him the fifth U.S. owner of a Premier League club.

The Denver-based investor said Monday he planned to bring "new success" to the London club, which hasn't won the league title since 2004.

Kroenke raised his stake in Arsenal from 29.9 percent to 62.89 percent by agreeing to buy shares from fellow directors including Danny Fiszman and Nina Bracewell-Smith. The deal values the club at ?731 million ($ 1.2 billion).

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