Gunners agree Asian link-up

Arsenal are close to sealing to a partnership agreement with a Vietnamese club.

Representatives from HAGL were in London recently to hold talks with Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal about establishing a co-operative relationship to help develop football in the South East Asian nation, as well as help raise the English clubs' profiles in the region.

Arsenal have verbally agreed to the deal and representatives from both clubs are expected to sign the contract in early December.

According to various sources in Vietnam, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said the club had been looking for a partner in South East Asia and HAGL appears to be the perfect fit.

"Arsenal had always been interested to have a strategic partner in South East Asia, and the opportunity to work with HAGL was too good to pass on," the Gunners boss was quoted as saying.

"If Vietnam provides adequate investment into the sport and focuses on developing young talent, the country will benefit from it."

A group of consultants from the Premiership outfit will survey HAGL's club and training facilities in the immediate future, and provide on-going assistance to improve the level of coaching and set up a youth academy.

HAGL will also have exclusive rights to Arsenal's commercial copyright in Vietnam including television rights and merchandise, and the two clubs have arranged friendly matches on  December 12 and 19.

Meanwhile, summer signing William Gallas says wearing Dennis Bergkamp's old number 10 shirt is inspiring him to go in search of goals with The Gunners.

The French international turned down the chance of taking Ashley Cole's number three jersey after swapping clubs with the now-Chelsea left back on transfer deadline day, and has shone ever since with forays down the left flank becoming a feature of his game.

Gallas scored just 12 times in five years for The Blues, but the defender - who has scored once this season against Sheffield United - is hoping to increase his potency in front of goal after following in the footsteps of a Gunners great.

"I know Dennis was a legend and I just hope I can be as successful as he was," said Gallas.

"I don't have any hang-ups about it being Bergkamp's shirt, I an handle what comes with it, the history and the goals.

"It doesn't matter that I am a defender, I can get my fair share this season.

"Having the number 10 on my back gives me confidence. It makes me feel that I will score more goals than I've ever done.

"I used to play as a striker alongside Thierry Henry when I was younger growing up in Paris, before I was converted to a defender."

Wenger is certainly pleased with his compatriot's contribution so far, with the Gunners boss explaining how Gallas has been rejuvenated by his summer move.

"William is one of the best defenders in the world and he has been given a new start by coming to us," said Wenger.

"He has the freedom to express himself more in the way that we play and his form has helped our results.

"I'm sure he will just get better and better."