SEASON TICKET PRICE-RAISE AT HIGHBURY

The Gunners have been overhauled by Manchester United in recent seasons, and despite picking up the runners-up spot in the league and getting to the FA Cup final, feel that second place is not good enough and that the money for rebuilding must be raised from the gate entry.

Chairman Peter Hill-Wood, in a letter to current season ticket holders, insisted that the raise was necessary but has already seen criticism from fans.

"Naturally we must ensure that we maintain our position as one of Europe's pre-eminent clubs," said Hill-Wood.

"In order for us to achieve this, we have to maintain a large squad of world-class players to compete for the top honours, inevitably incurring the substantial resulting costs.

"In addition to everyday running costs we continue to invest in youth development spiralling player wages and transfer costs.

"These escalating costs have resulted in the increase of 2001-02 season ticket prices."

However, the price hike has been met with incredulity by Arsenal Independent Supporters Association secretary Paul Matz, who said: "We wanted the club to freeze prices at the lower end and we are very disappointed that the club appears to have taken no notice."

Meanwhile, Ray Parlour has fuelled rumours of an exit from Highbury, by admitting his devastation at being omitted from the FA Cup final starting XI.

Parlour was brought on as a substitute in the game, and watched from close hand as Liverpool overturned the deficit to win 2-1, but feels he should have been included in the team from the beginning.

"It was a disappointment not being picked to start, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't upset about it," said Parlour.

"The manager knew that I was fit but he picked what he thought was his strongest side and I wasn't in it. I did get on but it wasn't the same as playing the whole game."

Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for talented Frenchmen Youri Djorkaeff and Vikash Dhorasoo,

Djorkaeff has signalled his intenion to leave Germany this summer, after the international midfielder agreed with his club Kaiserslautern that he would leave.

"I will be leaving in the summer after reaching agreement with my club," said Djorkaeff.

27-year-old Dorasoo is seemingly a player Arsene Wenger likes, but the Lyon ace looks set for a move to Italy with AC Milan.