SS Lazio still hope to sign Anelka

SS Lazio say their attempt to sign Nicolas Anelka is "not dead" in a statement tonight from Rome.

Selling club Arsenal pulled the 20 year old French striker from their transfer list at mid-day today and cited failure by their striker to agree personal terms with the Italian club as the reason for the failure of a transfer agreed yesterday between Arsenal and Lazio which priced Anelka at £22 million.

The passing of Arsenal's deadline allows the English club to call their player back to pre season training but Anelka remains in Paris as Lazio try to sort through the wreckage of their dealings with Arsenal over the past two months to try and salvage a deal.

Anelka is not happy to play again for Arsenal, a fact which has been accepted by the London club. The Italian view remains that Anelka is for sale and that Lazio will sign him - inside the year if necessary. Agreement was close with Anelka about personal terms on a four year deal worth at least £14 million to the player who may now seek legal action to try and end his contract with Arsenal.

Such an action would take the transfer market in Europe into unknown territory but the threat from Anelka remains hanging over Arsenal until he clarifies his future plans. The player has been advised by Lazio and French national team coach Roger Lemerre to stay out of court and he risks stalling his career for two or more years at least but Lazio are still insisting that he will sign for the club after the agreement of a transfer fee with Arsenal some two days ago.