Angulo's Arsenal move is off

Arsenal have failed in their bid to sign Valencia midfielder Miguel Angulo.

They were hoping to clinch a £2.7million deal for the 27-year-old today. Instead, Angulo has decided to stay with the Spanish title holders.

But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could still capture Ajax right-back Hatem Trabelsi before the transfer window closes at midnight. The Tunisian defender has fallen out with the Dutch and a bid of £3m could be enough to satisfy Ajax.

Arsenal are willing to double Trabelsi's present salary of £8,000 a week.

Angulo had preliminary medical tests with Arsenal yesterday and was given the all-clear. He was set to complete the examination this morning but had a late change of heart. He will remain at Valencia, managed by former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri.

Valencia president Jaime Orti said: "He has decided to return to the club and when he arrives we will see why he has taken this decision."

Orti denied Angulo had hit problems during the medical which put the move in doubt. He added: "Angulo's decision has nothing to do with the medical test. He deserves all of our affection and I hope he returns here to stay."

Angulo's agent Jose Luis Tamargo said: "Angulo didn't feel he had the sufficient strength for a change of lifestyle. Fear overcame him that he could not fit in at Arsenal nor with the English lifestyle."