Wenger: Senderos is still our player

Everyone is just a bit confused at the moment as to whether defender Philippe Senderos has signed for Everton or not. Various sites reported that the Swiss international had completed his transfer, but Big Phil is still lurking around London and even took part in the Members Day training session.

Manager Arsène Wenger has now clarified matters, saying that negotiations were indeed being held with Everton, but the player still belongs to Arsenal. Sources "close to Senderos" may have revealed that he was looking to leave the club in order to guarantee himself first team football, but neither Everton nor Arsenal have agreed a fee yet.

Wenger said: "At the moment there's an interest from Everton [in Senderos] but he is still our player. He has an opportunity to go because he has one year to go on his contract. We will see what happens in the next week."

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright told his club's official website: "We have been negotiating with Arsenal for the transfer of Philippe. Nothing has been concluded yet but talks are ongoing."

Reports of the possible transfer of Senderos to Everton gathered pace when Everton.html" title="Senderos has apparently signed for Everton">German and Swiss media also reported the transfer.

Should both Arsenal and Everton agree a fee, and Senderos agrees personal terms, Wenger says that there is a possibility that he will be recruiting in the defensive areas.

Wenger added: "If Senderos goes, and if there is an opportunity, then we will look. But we still have Silvestre, Gallas, Djourou, Vermaelen and Song. That's five centre backs."

Senderos has played 103 competitive games for the club but is still struggling to establish himself in the first team. He joined Italian club AC Milan on-loan last season but returned to London this season.

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