Arsenal close on Wiltord

Arsenal appeared to have got their man yesterday when they announced that they have "provisionally agreed terms" with Bordeaux to sign Sylvain Wiltord. The French international striker, who scored France's equaliser against Italy in the Euro 2000 final, has been a target for Arsÿne Wenger, the Arsenal manager, all summer, but the move has been held up over the size of the fee.

Arsenal appeared to have got their man yesterday when they announced that they have "provisionally agreed terms" with Bordeaux to sign Sylvain Wiltord. The French international striker, who scored France's equaliser against Italy in the Euro 2000 final, has been a target for Arsÿne Wenger, the Arsenal manager, all summer, but the move has been held up over the size of the fee.

Wenger has dismissed as a "minor incident" the row which led to the Football Association charging him with "threatening behaviour and physical intimidation" of fourth official Paul Taylor after the match against Sunderland last Saturday.

Incensed at the sending-off of Patrick Vieira for hitting out at Darren Williams, Wenger is alleged to have remonstrated with Taylor near the dressing-rooms.