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·Furious Arsenal star Nigel Winterburn was left devastated last night after being denied a move to London rivals West Ham.
Full-back Winters' switch across the capital appeared to be signed and sealed after he agreed terms on a two-year deal with Hammers boss Harry Redknapp.
But greedy Arsenal threw a spanner in the works at the 11th hour by demanding £500,000 after previously agreeing to reward his 13 years of loyalty with a free transfer.
Winterburn, 36, believed he had a gentleman's agreement with Arsenal over his future.
Although he still has a year to run on his contract, the left-back was promised he could leave if he was not getting regular first-team football.
And after secret talks with Redknapp, a lucrative contract was agreed.
But Arsenal have reneged on their promise and are refusing to let him go unless the Hammers cough up £500,000.
Winterburn has been left shattered by Arsenal's demand after a decade at Highbury and playing more than 600 games.
An Arsenal insider admitted: "Nigel is fuming at the way he has been treated.
"He has served the club loyally for 13 years only to be dealt a blow like this.
"He has been a major part of a great Arsenal side that has won virtually every honour in the English game and now they hit him with this."
Winterburn's agent Steve Kutner confirmed: "Yes, it's true Arsenal have gone back on their agreement.
"Nigel is devastated - he would love to go to West Ham."
Full-back Winters' switch across the capital appeared to be signed and sealed after he agreed terms on a two-year deal with Hammers boss Harry Redknapp.
But greedy Arsenal threw a spanner in the works at the 11th hour by demanding £500,000 after previously agreeing to reward his 13 years of loyalty with a free transfer.
Winterburn, 36, believed he had a gentleman's agreement with Arsenal over his future.
Although he still has a year to run on his contract, the left-back was promised he could leave if he was not getting regular first-team football.
And after secret talks with Redknapp, a lucrative contract was agreed.
But Arsenal have reneged on their promise and are refusing to let him go unless the Hammers cough up £500,000.
Winterburn has been left shattered by Arsenal's demand after a decade at Highbury and playing more than 600 games.
An Arsenal insider admitted: "Nigel is fuming at the way he has been treated.
"He has served the club loyally for 13 years only to be dealt a blow like this.
"He has been a major part of a great Arsenal side that has won virtually every honour in the English game and now they hit him with this."
Winterburn's agent Steve Kutner confirmed: "Yes, it's true Arsenal have gone back on their agreement.
"Nigel is devastated - he would love to go to West Ham."
