By Ian Grant

It looks as if Arsene Wenger needs a new South American scout.

According to our sources, when Uruguayan keeper Sebastian Viera turned up at Colney the coaching staff were dismayed to see that Viera is only slightly taller than Ashley Cole. The keeper did not fail a fitness test, so much as a size test.

But Alex Song has passed his trial, says the Daily Star, and is set to join Arsenal from Bastia for a fee of around £2m. Inter, Man U and Chelsea were tracking him, say reports. He provides much needed defensive and midfield cover.

The Independent says although Tottenham Hotspur remain favourites to sign Jermaine Jenas, Arsenal are also considering a bid for the 22-year-old after receiving encouragement that he would cost far less than the £20m first quoted by the Newcastle manager, Graeme Souness. The paper says a bid of £12m may be enough.

Meanwhile, Gilberto, Fabregas, Alexander Hleb, Robin van Persie and Jose Antonio Reyes are all set to play a part in the final pre- season friendly against Borehamwood at Meadow Lodge tonight.

Gilberto meanwhile has said: "My contract runs until August 2006. I am extremely calm and happy with the possibility to renew the contract. We will sit down and talk about it. I will only leave Arsenal if a wonderful chance appears to leave here. I share the will of the club, know the staff well and already I’ve made some history here."

And finally, The Evening Standard reports Arsenal have chosen The David Rocastle Trust as their charity of the season for 2005-06.

The David Rocastle Trust was founded to help his family, support community projects in his name and assist other registered charities. It takes over from Childline where Arsenal earned £200,000 for the body.

Rocastle, who died of cancer aged 33, made his Arsenal debut against Newcastle 20 years ago next month.

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