Having returned from Austria after enjoying easy wins in their first three pre-season friendlies, Arsenal will be now looking forward to the Emirates Cup and the English Premiership.
Speaking to the club’s official website, manager Arsene Wenger revealed he is confident the Gunners will do better this season as he hopes they will improve on third place. Wenger did add however that their task will not be an easy one as more and more clubs are spending big money to break into the so-called Top Four.
With the Gunners set to face AC Milan and Celtic this weekend, it will be a very important tournament for the manager who will be given important signals on who is fit and in-form to start against Liverpool.
He said:
I am very confident [we'll do better than last season]. We know in England that the Premier League is the biggest league in the world and everybody invests a lot of money.
We invest in our work, in our beliefs, in the quality of our behaviour and I am confident that will pay off.
We finished third last year and we hope we can improve on that. But the race will be tough.
Meanwhile, in an interview published on DIR Emotions, captain Cesc Fabregas has finally broke the silence on his future. The 23-year old midfielder explained how just like his family members he is a fan of Barcelona, saying how he felt the colours of the Catalan club from a young age.
But, the Spaniard also said how he is a Gunner and how Arsene Wenger is a second father to him explaining that they did speak about his future with Wenger asking him to stay in what the player described as a very emotional conversation.
On his future, Fabregas is quoted as saying:
I’m a Barca fan, I’m a socio, as is my grandfather, my uncle, my cousin. I have felt the colours from a young age, I’m Catalan. However, I’m the captain of Arsenal, I’m a ‘Gunner’, and I have become a player there and matured as a person.
[Wenger] is a second father for me, the most important person in my life after my father. He has behaved really well with me and taken me in like a son. I am part of his family.
He doesn’t want me to leave. And in my last conversation with him in London, it was one of the most difficult moments I have experienced. I ended up very upset.
I want to continue fighting for every title, especially the Champions League, because I am a winner.
From thegunninghawk.com
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Fabregas: I am a 'Gunner'
Cesc Fabregas has moved to quash fears of him forcing a possible move to Spanish club Barcelona by issuing the strongest, yet diplomatic, statement yet.
The World Cup winner is the subject of transfer bid by the Catalan club, who have had a €30 million bid turned down by Arsenal.
Manager Arsène Wenger has also stated several times that the club were not interested in negotiating for Fabregas, saying that the midfielder is a part of the club's long-term success.
Fabregas himself has conceded that he is of course a Catalan born and bred, but he's proud of his role in Arsenal and takes his responsibilities very strongly.
Speaking to DIR Emotions magazine, the 23-year-old said: "I'm a Barca fan, I'm a socio, as is my grandfather, my uncle, my cousin... I have felt the colours from a young age, I'm Catalan.
"However, I'm the captain of Arsenal, I'm a 'Gunner', and I have become a player there and matured as a person."
Fabregas also paid tribute to Wenger, saying that the bond between the both of them was very close, and admitted that the two had a very emotional conversation when discussing his long-term future at the club.
He added: "Arsène is a second father for me, the most important person in my life after my father. He has behaved really well with me and taken me in like a son. I am part of his family.
"He doesn't want me to leave. And in my last conversation with him in London, it was one of the most difficult moments I have experienced. I ended up very upset."
From arsenal-mania.com
The World Cup winner is the subject of transfer bid by the Catalan club, who have had a €30 million bid turned down by Arsenal.
Manager Arsène Wenger has also stated several times that the club were not interested in negotiating for Fabregas, saying that the midfielder is a part of the club's long-term success.
Fabregas himself has conceded that he is of course a Catalan born and bred, but he's proud of his role in Arsenal and takes his responsibilities very strongly.
Speaking to DIR Emotions magazine, the 23-year-old said: "I'm a Barca fan, I'm a socio, as is my grandfather, my uncle, my cousin... I have felt the colours from a young age, I'm Catalan.
"However, I'm the captain of Arsenal, I'm a 'Gunner', and I have become a player there and matured as a person."
Fabregas also paid tribute to Wenger, saying that the bond between the both of them was very close, and admitted that the two had a very emotional conversation when discussing his long-term future at the club.
He added: "Arsène is a second father for me, the most important person in my life after my father. He has behaved really well with me and taken me in like a son. I am part of his family.
"He doesn't want me to leave. And in my last conversation with him in London, it was one of the most difficult moments I have experienced. I ended up very upset."
From arsenal-mania.com
Scott - No move for Szczesny
"Bees rule out return bid for Arsenal goalkeeper "
Brentford manager Andy Scott has ruled out making a move for young Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
The 20-year-old Poland international impressed while on loan at Griffin Park last season, making 28 appearances between the sticks for the Bees.
However, despite attending Brentford skipper Kevin O'Connor's recent testimonial game against Fulham, Scott told skysports.com that the Pole will not be returning to the club this season.
"Wojciech came along to watch the Fulham game as it was Kevin O'Connor's testimonial and they got on well while he was here last season," he said.
"Wojciech is more than welcome to come down whenever he can, but I think that his ambitions lie at Arsenal now and I can fully understand that considering how well he progressed here last season.
"We were very fortunate to have him on board last season and we were glad that we could contribute to his career progression, but he was simply there to watch the game."
From skysports.com
Brentford manager Andy Scott has ruled out making a move for young Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
The 20-year-old Poland international impressed while on loan at Griffin Park last season, making 28 appearances between the sticks for the Bees.
However, despite attending Brentford skipper Kevin O'Connor's recent testimonial game against Fulham, Scott told skysports.com that the Pole will not be returning to the club this season.
"Wojciech came along to watch the Fulham game as it was Kevin O'Connor's testimonial and they got on well while he was here last season," he said.
"Wojciech is more than welcome to come down whenever he can, but I think that his ambitions lie at Arsenal now and I can fully understand that considering how well he progressed here last season.
"We were very fortunate to have him on board last season and we were glad that we could contribute to his career progression, but he was simply there to watch the game."
From skysports.com
Tasci agent fuels Gunners talk
"Germany defender could make Emirates move"
Serdar Tasci's agent has hinted the Stuttgart defender could still make a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners have held discussions with the Bundesliga giants but are yet to make an offer for the Germany international, who has also reportedly attracted interest from Tottenham and Juventus.
However, Tasci's agent Uli Ferber has indicated an Arsenal move could still be on the cards by stressing the 23-year-old's admiration for the Emirates club.
Ferber said in The Sun: "Serdar admires English football and has huge respect for Arsenal."
Tasci is currently contracted with Stuttgart until June 2014, with a buy-out clause in the region of £18.5million understood to be included in his deal.
From skysports.com
Serdar Tasci's agent has hinted the Stuttgart defender could still make a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners have held discussions with the Bundesliga giants but are yet to make an offer for the Germany international, who has also reportedly attracted interest from Tottenham and Juventus.
However, Tasci's agent Uli Ferber has indicated an Arsenal move could still be on the cards by stressing the 23-year-old's admiration for the Emirates club.
Ferber said in The Sun: "Serdar admires English football and has huge respect for Arsenal."
Tasci is currently contracted with Stuttgart until June 2014, with a buy-out clause in the region of £18.5million understood to be included in his deal.
From skysports.com
Arsenal rumours July 29th – Mertsacker, Tasci, Veloso, Frey and Schwarzer
Arsene Wenger was interviewed after the friendly match with Neusiedl and during the session he was directly asked if he was trying to sign Per Mertsacker, and although he didn’t give a straight yes, he did emphasise that Arsenal still needed another centre-back.
He said: “There are people we consider and are analysing and we look at the financial possibilities,”.
“We are still on the search for centre-halves. We have three and we need at least four.”
I know its a case of stating-the-bleeding-obvious, but surely the “financial possibilities” are not a problem? Arsenal have a nett spend so far this summer of just 4m euros, and the wage bill has been significantly lowered by the departures of Gallas, Campbell, Senderos, Silvestre and Eduardo. If the £40m “war-chest” was anyewhere near the truth, then Wenger has more than enough financial clout to sign anyone!
Okay so Wenger didn’t deny that he was after Mertsacker, which is a positive sign, and it has been reported in the Sun this morning that Arsenal have also held talks with Stuttgart over the German international defender Serdar Tasci. He is a younger alternative to Mertsacker with probably more room for improvement, but the Sun says Arsenal have offered £10m but I doubt very much that he will come that cheaply.
His agent, Uli Ferber has played up the move: “Serdar admires English football and has huge respect for Arsenal.” he said. But with Tasci’s contract with the Bundesliga side running for another four years I reckon £20m will be closer to the asking price….
For no reason at all, the Portugese paper Abola has reported that Miguel Veloso has been negotiating to join the Italian side Genoa, but Arsenal are considering a last minute 13m euro bid to try and hijack the move. Veloso has been linked with Arsenal since the Year Dot so it’s no surprise that another link has appeared this summer. But I imagine it is just a ruse by Sporting to try and get his price up. Another report in Abola this morning says that Inter Milan are also making a bid….
This morning’s ITA Sport in Italy are saying that Arsenal are keeping talks with Fiorentina open regarding Sebastian Frey, just in case they can’t reach an agreement with Cagliari over Federico Marchetti. Although the Fiori have said that Artur Boruc has been bought to give some competition to Frey, I don’t believe that either of them would be happy with sitting on the bench next season. Frey MUST be leaving, but whether he comes to Arsenal is a different matter…..
The Daily Mirror also thinks that the Marchetti story is just a smokescreen, and their star football reporter John Cross says that Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer still remains Arsenal’s number one target. I personally am getting bored with these Schwarzer stories. If Mark Hughes takes over at the Cottage, do you really think he will let Schwarzer go? I doubt it very much….
From justarsenal.com
He said: “There are people we consider and are analysing and we look at the financial possibilities,”.
“We are still on the search for centre-halves. We have three and we need at least four.”
I know its a case of stating-the-bleeding-obvious, but surely the “financial possibilities” are not a problem? Arsenal have a nett spend so far this summer of just 4m euros, and the wage bill has been significantly lowered by the departures of Gallas, Campbell, Senderos, Silvestre and Eduardo. If the £40m “war-chest” was anyewhere near the truth, then Wenger has more than enough financial clout to sign anyone!
Okay so Wenger didn’t deny that he was after Mertsacker, which is a positive sign, and it has been reported in the Sun this morning that Arsenal have also held talks with Stuttgart over the German international defender Serdar Tasci. He is a younger alternative to Mertsacker with probably more room for improvement, but the Sun says Arsenal have offered £10m but I doubt very much that he will come that cheaply.
His agent, Uli Ferber has played up the move: “Serdar admires English football and has huge respect for Arsenal.” he said. But with Tasci’s contract with the Bundesliga side running for another four years I reckon £20m will be closer to the asking price….
For no reason at all, the Portugese paper Abola has reported that Miguel Veloso has been negotiating to join the Italian side Genoa, but Arsenal are considering a last minute 13m euro bid to try and hijack the move. Veloso has been linked with Arsenal since the Year Dot so it’s no surprise that another link has appeared this summer. But I imagine it is just a ruse by Sporting to try and get his price up. Another report in Abola this morning says that Inter Milan are also making a bid….
This morning’s ITA Sport in Italy are saying that Arsenal are keeping talks with Fiorentina open regarding Sebastian Frey, just in case they can’t reach an agreement with Cagliari over Federico Marchetti. Although the Fiori have said that Artur Boruc has been bought to give some competition to Frey, I don’t believe that either of them would be happy with sitting on the bench next season. Frey MUST be leaving, but whether he comes to Arsenal is a different matter…..
The Daily Mirror also thinks that the Marchetti story is just a smokescreen, and their star football reporter John Cross says that Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer still remains Arsenal’s number one target. I personally am getting bored with these Schwarzer stories. If Mark Hughes takes over at the Cottage, do you really think he will let Schwarzer go? I doubt it very much….
From justarsenal.com
Wenger reveals more about the team v Liverpool, transfers and injuries
Arsène Wenger is opening up a little in his interviews, and giving us a little more insight into how matters are going to pan out in the opening match of the season.
One big hint comes in a statement directly from him that he will buy one or two centre halves – and it seems one of them is probably Werder Bremen’s Per Mertesacker.
He’s also been dropping hints about the line up for the game against Liverpool Reds (as the owners lovingly called them on buying the club)
Cesc Fábregas and Robin Van Persie start training on 5 August, he has confirmed, and that might be too late to play in the game against the Insolvency (as they sometimes get called here), but it is a great exaggeration to take this to mean “Cesc Fábregas and Robin van Persie likely to miss opener at Liverpool” as one newspaper headline screams this morning.
What the manager actually said was, “They might be short for the first game but I don’t know. That will depend on the fitness work that they have done during the holiday.”
There’s also a lovely quote from Wenger on the subject of a Spanish team hovering on the edge of administration (see recent articles). About their frantic antics this summer, which can now be seen as nothing other than an attempt (a successful attempt until recently) to hide the club’s financial disasters from the press, Mr Wenger said, “It is only noise. In our job, we have to deal with what we can master. What we cannot influence is not to worry about. We have learned about that and I believe that in a big club you have to live with those kind of noises without being disturbed.”
I think that statement should be on banner headlines. “It’s only noise”.
As to the squad as a whole, over the last few weeks I have tried to draw together who we have in place and looked at as a whole it looks rather impressive to me. Here’s the summary of the three articles recently published.
Forwards: Arshavin, van Persie*, Bendtner*, Chamakh, Walcott, Vela. (Six)
The kiddies: Murphy, Sunu, Watt, and throw in Wellington Silva in January. (+ Four)
——————-
Midfielders: Diaby, Wilshere, Fabregas*, Rosicky, Nasri, Denilson, Ramsey*, Song, Eboue (Nine)
The kiddies: Frimpong, Lansbury, Emmanuel Thomas, Barazite, Henderson (+ Five)
——————-
Defence: Sagna, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Clichy, Koscielny, Djourou, Traore (Seven )
The kiddies: Nordveit, Eastmond (+ Two)
Total 33 for the outfield positions.
* = may not be available for the first game. To summarise the injuries
Denilson has not played so far, and probably won’t in the Ems Cup but will play in the final warm up in Poland.
Diaby – same as Denilson
Bendtner - it is clear now that he played for Denmark in S Africa with his injury and made it worse. Another player being mucked about by international rubbish. No knowing how long he will be out.
Ramsey – the effects of Shawcross are still there and he will not be seen until the late autumn.
Rosicky - no real injury, just a niggle.
So can we do an early prediction of the team for Liverpool Insolvency away? We could try…
Goalkeeper?
Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Clichy
Song
Diaby/Denilson, Nasri
Arshavin, Chamakh, Walcott/Vela
OK, no exciting changes there, except without Cesc, Nasri can play centre, and he has been on fire feeding in behind the front man. In effect this formation gives us Walcott or Vela dropping back a little and allowing Nasri to move forward. This looks a rather good line up to me.
As for the keeper, I have no more idea than anyone else whether it will be Almunia, one of the others or a new guy.
And that is not to suggest that I think this is the team for the season – far from it. Against Blackpool the following week I would hope to see Wilshire and Emmanuel Thomas get a part of the action.
Just as a final point, here, once again, is the “25″ – the players over 21 on qualification day who have to be registered with the EPL as our players. As you will see, we now have six places available and only one of them would need to be “home grown”. So we could buy five new players none of whom is “home grown” and still be fine. (Incidentally we have debated the “25″ rule til we are blue in our collective faces. Before shouting at me and telling me I have got the rule wrong, do have a look at the in depth analysis we’ve been doing on this through the summer – details in the links below. There’s a million different versions of what the rule means, but I think we have got this right based on the official statement from the EPL).
1 Almunia
2 Fabianski
3 Mannone (Home Grown Player No 1)
4 Sagna
5 Eboue
6 Vermaelen
7 Djourou (Home Grown Player No 2)
8 Clichy (Home Grown Player No 3)
9 Song (Home Grown Player No 4)
10 Denilson (Home Grown Player No 5)
11 Diaby
12 Fabregas (Home Grown Player No 6)
13 Rosicky
14 Arshavin
15 Nasri
16 van Persie
17 Bendtner (Home Grown Player No 7)
18 Chamakh
19. Koscielny
By Tony Attwood
From blog.emiratesstadium.info
One big hint comes in a statement directly from him that he will buy one or two centre halves – and it seems one of them is probably Werder Bremen’s Per Mertesacker.
He’s also been dropping hints about the line up for the game against Liverpool Reds (as the owners lovingly called them on buying the club)
Cesc Fábregas and Robin Van Persie start training on 5 August, he has confirmed, and that might be too late to play in the game against the Insolvency (as they sometimes get called here), but it is a great exaggeration to take this to mean “Cesc Fábregas and Robin van Persie likely to miss opener at Liverpool” as one newspaper headline screams this morning.
What the manager actually said was, “They might be short for the first game but I don’t know. That will depend on the fitness work that they have done during the holiday.”
There’s also a lovely quote from Wenger on the subject of a Spanish team hovering on the edge of administration (see recent articles). About their frantic antics this summer, which can now be seen as nothing other than an attempt (a successful attempt until recently) to hide the club’s financial disasters from the press, Mr Wenger said, “It is only noise. In our job, we have to deal with what we can master. What we cannot influence is not to worry about. We have learned about that and I believe that in a big club you have to live with those kind of noises without being disturbed.”
I think that statement should be on banner headlines. “It’s only noise”.
As to the squad as a whole, over the last few weeks I have tried to draw together who we have in place and looked at as a whole it looks rather impressive to me. Here’s the summary of the three articles recently published.
Forwards: Arshavin, van Persie*, Bendtner*, Chamakh, Walcott, Vela. (Six)
The kiddies: Murphy, Sunu, Watt, and throw in Wellington Silva in January. (+ Four)
——————-
Midfielders: Diaby, Wilshere, Fabregas*, Rosicky, Nasri, Denilson, Ramsey*, Song, Eboue (Nine)
The kiddies: Frimpong, Lansbury, Emmanuel Thomas, Barazite, Henderson (+ Five)
——————-
Defence: Sagna, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Clichy, Koscielny, Djourou, Traore (Seven )
The kiddies: Nordveit, Eastmond (+ Two)
Total 33 for the outfield positions.
* = may not be available for the first game. To summarise the injuries
Denilson has not played so far, and probably won’t in the Ems Cup but will play in the final warm up in Poland.
Diaby – same as Denilson
Bendtner - it is clear now that he played for Denmark in S Africa with his injury and made it worse. Another player being mucked about by international rubbish. No knowing how long he will be out.
Ramsey – the effects of Shawcross are still there and he will not be seen until the late autumn.
Rosicky - no real injury, just a niggle.
So can we do an early prediction of the team for Liverpool Insolvency away? We could try…
Goalkeeper?
Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Clichy
Song
Diaby/Denilson, Nasri
Arshavin, Chamakh, Walcott/Vela
OK, no exciting changes there, except without Cesc, Nasri can play centre, and he has been on fire feeding in behind the front man. In effect this formation gives us Walcott or Vela dropping back a little and allowing Nasri to move forward. This looks a rather good line up to me.
As for the keeper, I have no more idea than anyone else whether it will be Almunia, one of the others or a new guy.
And that is not to suggest that I think this is the team for the season – far from it. Against Blackpool the following week I would hope to see Wilshire and Emmanuel Thomas get a part of the action.
Just as a final point, here, once again, is the “25″ – the players over 21 on qualification day who have to be registered with the EPL as our players. As you will see, we now have six places available and only one of them would need to be “home grown”. So we could buy five new players none of whom is “home grown” and still be fine. (Incidentally we have debated the “25″ rule til we are blue in our collective faces. Before shouting at me and telling me I have got the rule wrong, do have a look at the in depth analysis we’ve been doing on this through the summer – details in the links below. There’s a million different versions of what the rule means, but I think we have got this right based on the official statement from the EPL).
1 Almunia
2 Fabianski
3 Mannone (Home Grown Player No 1)
4 Sagna
5 Eboue
6 Vermaelen
7 Djourou (Home Grown Player No 2)
8 Clichy (Home Grown Player No 3)
9 Song (Home Grown Player No 4)
10 Denilson (Home Grown Player No 5)
11 Diaby
12 Fabregas (Home Grown Player No 6)
13 Rosicky
14 Arshavin
15 Nasri
16 van Persie
17 Bendtner (Home Grown Player No 7)
18 Chamakh
19. Koscielny
By Tony Attwood
From blog.emiratesstadium.info
Defender turns down Arsenal move
Defender Sol Campbell has turned down the chance to extend his contract at Arsenal and chosen instead to move to Newcastle United.
Manager Arsène Wenger offered the former England international a one-year extension to the deal that expired at the end of June, but told him that there was no guarantee of first team football.
Newly-promoted Newcastle however, offered Campbell a two-year contract with the prospect of being able to play more regularly.
Given our recent history with injuries, which sees no signs of abating, Campbell should have been more confident that he would have gotten more than a game or two.
It is the second time Campbell has left Arsenal, the first time in 2006, and has made 211 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals.
Arsenal Mania wishes Sol all the best in his future career, except when it's against Arsenal.
From arsenal-mania.com
Manager Arsène Wenger offered the former England international a one-year extension to the deal that expired at the end of June, but told him that there was no guarantee of first team football.
Newly-promoted Newcastle however, offered Campbell a two-year contract with the prospect of being able to play more regularly.
Given our recent history with injuries, which sees no signs of abating, Campbell should have been more confident that he would have gotten more than a game or two.
It is the second time Campbell has left Arsenal, the first time in 2006, and has made 211 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals.
Arsenal Mania wishes Sol all the best in his future career, except when it's against Arsenal.
From arsenal-mania.com
Cagliari drop Marchetti after transfer request
It is now looking more and more likely that the Italian keeper Frederico Marchetti will be coming to Arsenal as it has been revealed that the 27 year-old has put in a de facto transfer request. Cagliari dropped Marchetti from the side that faced Bastia in a “friendly” last night, but the game was marred by continual protests from the Cagliari fans about the club letting Marchetti go. In the end the “friendly” had to be abandoned after brawls between both sets of players!
A statement regarding Marchetti was posted on the official Cagliari website yesterday which said. “He expressed his desire to leave through the media,”
“The club will do everything to make him happy, so if Marchetti does leave Cagliari, then our first choice will be Michael Agazzi.
“Cagliari are not looking for a different first choice goalkeeper.”
It has been reported that Arsenal have offered 6 million euros for him, but as Cagliari value him at closer to 9 million there is still some negotiating to do, but if the statement from Cagliari club president Massimo Cellino that Arsenal “are the only ones pushing for his signature” are true, then it is only a matter of time before the deal is complete.
From justarsenal.com
A statement regarding Marchetti was posted on the official Cagliari website yesterday which said. “He expressed his desire to leave through the media,”
“The club will do everything to make him happy, so if Marchetti does leave Cagliari, then our first choice will be Michael Agazzi.
“Cagliari are not looking for a different first choice goalkeeper.”
It has been reported that Arsenal have offered 6 million euros for him, but as Cagliari value him at closer to 9 million there is still some negotiating to do, but if the statement from Cagliari club president Massimo Cellino that Arsenal “are the only ones pushing for his signature” are true, then it is only a matter of time before the deal is complete.
From justarsenal.com
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Djourou injured! Wenger needs to move fast for a defender!
Arsenals third easy win of the pre-season last night was marred by the sight of Johan Djourou limping off in the first half. The French centre-back has only just returned to playing after missing the whole of last season through a knee injury.
With Gallas, Senderos, Silvestre and Campbell all leaving Arsenal this summer, Djourou was thought to be imperative to Arsene Wenger’s plans. If he has suffered a recurrence of his injury it will only serve to highlight the lack of defenders at the club. At the moment Wenger only has the new signing Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen as first-choice, and the 20 year-old Havard Noerdtveit as back-up, so a new defender or two is now becoming more and more urgent.
The news this morning that Ivan Gazidis is in Germany to try and do a deal for Per Mertsacker gives the Arsenal fans hope, but Wenger is hardly known for completing his transfers quickly! It would seem that Arsenal are going to need two more defenders at least or risk being decimated by injuries as usual….
From justarsenal.com
With Gallas, Senderos, Silvestre and Campbell all leaving Arsenal this summer, Djourou was thought to be imperative to Arsene Wenger’s plans. If he has suffered a recurrence of his injury it will only serve to highlight the lack of defenders at the club. At the moment Wenger only has the new signing Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen as first-choice, and the 20 year-old Havard Noerdtveit as back-up, so a new defender or two is now becoming more and more urgent.
The news this morning that Ivan Gazidis is in Germany to try and do a deal for Per Mertsacker gives the Arsenal fans hope, but Wenger is hardly known for completing his transfers quickly! It would seem that Arsenal are going to need two more defenders at least or risk being decimated by injuries as usual….
From justarsenal.com
Arsenal set to bid £5.5m for Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti
According to reports, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is looking at alternative goalkeeper options after losing faith in Manuel Almunia, and his hopes of landing Marchetti have been vastly improved after his club accepted his transfer request.
Asked about Marchetti's future, Cagliari president, Massimo Cellino told the Mirror: "Federico has expressed a desire to leave," he said. "The only club pushing for his signature is Arsenal and we will do everything to make him happy."
Wenger has made no secret of his desire for a new goalkeeper since the transfer window opened and his attentions turned to Marchetti after he had a £2million bid for Fulham's Mark Schwarzer turned down.
Away from looking at possible replacements for Almunia, Wenger has also had to assess his defensive situation following the departures of Sol Campbell. William Gallas, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre.
The Frenchman is understood to have had two bids Everton's Phil Jagielka rejected and has now turned his attentions to Werder Bremen centre-back Per Mertesacker, who is valued at £10 million.
Mertesacker has enjoyed a great deal of success in his four years at Bremen and was highly praised for his contributions to Germany's World Cup campaign.
From telegraph.co.uk
Asked about Marchetti's future, Cagliari president, Massimo Cellino told the Mirror: "Federico has expressed a desire to leave," he said. "The only club pushing for his signature is Arsenal and we will do everything to make him happy."
Wenger has made no secret of his desire for a new goalkeeper since the transfer window opened and his attentions turned to Marchetti after he had a £2million bid for Fulham's Mark Schwarzer turned down.
Away from looking at possible replacements for Almunia, Wenger has also had to assess his defensive situation following the departures of Sol Campbell. William Gallas, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre.
The Frenchman is understood to have had two bids Everton's Phil Jagielka rejected and has now turned his attentions to Werder Bremen centre-back Per Mertesacker, who is valued at £10 million.
Mertesacker has enjoyed a great deal of success in his four years at Bremen and was highly praised for his contributions to Germany's World Cup campaign.
From telegraph.co.uk
Campbell pens St James' Park deal
Former Tottenham, Arsenal and England defender Sol Campbell has penned a one-year contract with Premier League new-boys Newcastle United.
The 35-year-old started his career at White Hart Lane before joining the Gunners for the first time nine years ago.
He eventually left Arsene Wenger's side in 2006 but, after featuring in more than 100 matches for Portsmouth and then enduring an ill-fated spell with Notts County, Campbell returned to the Emirates Stadium in January and played in 14 more games for the club.
Campbell said of his move to Tyneside: "At this stage of my career I couldn't have wished for a better move. To join a club such as Newcastle United, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me.
"I'd like to thank Chris Hughton for putting his faith in me and aim to repay him and the supporters by giving everything I possibly can to help re-establish this great club in the top-tier of English football.
"I just want to play and can't wait to get started. There's a real buzz about the place and that's great. I've played at St James' Park numerous times and always found it a fantastic place to play, there's always a tremendous atmosphere
Manager Chris Hughton added: "I have known Sol since he was a lad at Tottenham and am fully aware of what he has to offer. That is experience, quality, calm assurance and leadership.
"He's a dedicated professional, a terrific addition to the squad, and I look forward to working with him again."
From football.co.uk
Neusiedl V Arsenal Goals & Report,Highlights [0-4] Pre Season
Marouane Chamakh opened his Arsenal account as Arsène Wenger's side completed their Austrian training camp with a straightforward 4-0 victory at SC Neusiedi on Tuesday night.
Theo Walcott and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas gave the visitors a 2-0 cushion in the first period. The Moroccan's moment came five minutes after he had come on as a half-time substitute. He burst through only to be pushed over by Markus Dombi. Chamakh picked himself up to slot home adroitly from the spot.
Shortly afterwards, another substitute, Carlos Vela, produced the coolest of chips to make it 4-0.
Neusiedl may play in the third tier of Austrian football but they had their moments. None greater than the one presented to them seconds later Harvard Nordtveit was adjudged to have handled.
However Juray Skripec could not beat Vito Mannone from 12 yards.
To be frank this was never a contest once Arsenal shook off some early lethargy. That two-goal first-half burst allowed them to move from second gear straight into cruise control.
But with Milan, Celtic and Legia Warsaw on the horizon, the tests will get tougher from now on.
The party had started at Neusiedl's compact Sportszentrum ground in the early afternoon. A couple of schoolboy games took centre stage as the crowd arrived. By the time Arsenal kicked off at 7pm local time the main stand was rammed and the grass bank behind Manuel Almunia's goal was an old-style sea of heads.
Wenger's starting XI was drawn from the squad that had beaten Barnet and Sturm Graz in the opening two games. However the Frenchman did select a trio of his countrymen - Abou Diaby, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna - on the bench for the first time. They were joined two newly-introduced Africans, Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song. All five had been on duty at the World Cup, hence they had started pre-season training and the friendly matches after the main group.
The opening quarter of an hour was pedestrian. Jack Wilshere had a shout for a penalty, Andrey Arshavin curled a shot into the arms of keeper Adolf Kaiser and Emmanuel-Thomas showed fine feet in the area but could not follow it up with a shot to match.
Neusiedl's opening chance would be much more clear-cut. In the 16th minute, Michael Koller swung over a corner from the right and skipper Dombi stooped at the near post to thunder in a header. Nasri booted the ball off the line.
It took Arsenal a further 10 minutes to respond. Arshavin's angled shot bounced off Kaiser's shoulder and eventually fell to Walcott at the far post. He cut inside his marker but saw his shot blocked.
However, couple of minutes later Walcott would open the scoring - and from virtually the same spot. Arsenal worked the ball up the left once more. Emmanuel-Thomas found Nasri, who fed the England winger. He arrowed his effort home.
On the half hour Walcott beat the keeper once again but his lob drifted wide.
By now Arsenal had found their groove. Second later, Gibbs cut the ball back for Emmanuel-Thomas to turn swiftly before cracking home a second.
Five minutes after the restart it was 3-0 when Chamakh made his mark.
By now Arsenal were in the zone. In the 65th minute, Nasri's clever touch sent substitute Vela through and the Mexican lifted the ball over the stranded keeper.
However seconds later Neusiedl had the chance to reduce the arrears when Dominik Silberbauer's header was handled by Nordtveit. Skripec stepped up to try and make a little piece of personal history.
However Mannone dived to his left to make a fine stop.
The game petered out after that. Neusiedl were not going to get a better chance and Arsenal had used up their creativity for the night.
After the game, Wenger's men left for England with their season's preparation well on track.
Goal : 0-1 Walcot 28,0-2 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas 31 , 0-3 Marouane Chamakh 50 , 0-4 Vela
Marouane Chamakh scored his first goal for his new Emirates employers as Arsene Wenger’s side easily overcame weak Austrian opposition.
From arsenal.com
Theo Walcott and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas gave the visitors a 2-0 cushion in the first period. The Moroccan's moment came five minutes after he had come on as a half-time substitute. He burst through only to be pushed over by Markus Dombi. Chamakh picked himself up to slot home adroitly from the spot.
Shortly afterwards, another substitute, Carlos Vela, produced the coolest of chips to make it 4-0.
Neusiedl may play in the third tier of Austrian football but they had their moments. None greater than the one presented to them seconds later Harvard Nordtveit was adjudged to have handled.
However Juray Skripec could not beat Vito Mannone from 12 yards.
To be frank this was never a contest once Arsenal shook off some early lethargy. That two-goal first-half burst allowed them to move from second gear straight into cruise control.
But with Milan, Celtic and Legia Warsaw on the horizon, the tests will get tougher from now on.
The party had started at Neusiedl's compact Sportszentrum ground in the early afternoon. A couple of schoolboy games took centre stage as the crowd arrived. By the time Arsenal kicked off at 7pm local time the main stand was rammed and the grass bank behind Manuel Almunia's goal was an old-style sea of heads.
Wenger's starting XI was drawn from the squad that had beaten Barnet and Sturm Graz in the opening two games. However the Frenchman did select a trio of his countrymen - Abou Diaby, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna - on the bench for the first time. They were joined two newly-introduced Africans, Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song. All five had been on duty at the World Cup, hence they had started pre-season training and the friendly matches after the main group.
The opening quarter of an hour was pedestrian. Jack Wilshere had a shout for a penalty, Andrey Arshavin curled a shot into the arms of keeper Adolf Kaiser and Emmanuel-Thomas showed fine feet in the area but could not follow it up with a shot to match.
Neusiedl's opening chance would be much more clear-cut. In the 16th minute, Michael Koller swung over a corner from the right and skipper Dombi stooped at the near post to thunder in a header. Nasri booted the ball off the line.
It took Arsenal a further 10 minutes to respond. Arshavin's angled shot bounced off Kaiser's shoulder and eventually fell to Walcott at the far post. He cut inside his marker but saw his shot blocked.
However, couple of minutes later Walcott would open the scoring - and from virtually the same spot. Arsenal worked the ball up the left once more. Emmanuel-Thomas found Nasri, who fed the England winger. He arrowed his effort home.
On the half hour Walcott beat the keeper once again but his lob drifted wide.
By now Arsenal had found their groove. Second later, Gibbs cut the ball back for Emmanuel-Thomas to turn swiftly before cracking home a second.
Five minutes after the restart it was 3-0 when Chamakh made his mark.
By now Arsenal were in the zone. In the 65th minute, Nasri's clever touch sent substitute Vela through and the Mexican lifted the ball over the stranded keeper.
However seconds later Neusiedl had the chance to reduce the arrears when Dominik Silberbauer's header was handled by Nordtveit. Skripec stepped up to try and make a little piece of personal history.
However Mannone dived to his left to make a fine stop.
The game petered out after that. Neusiedl were not going to get a better chance and Arsenal had used up their creativity for the night.
After the game, Wenger's men left for England with their season's preparation well on track.
Goal : 0-1 Walcot 28,0-2 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas 31 , 0-3 Marouane Chamakh 50 , 0-4 Vela
Marouane Chamakh scored his first goal for his new Emirates employers as Arsene Wenger’s side easily overcame weak Austrian opposition.
From arsenal.com
Monday, July 26, 2010
Andres Iniesta: Fabregas told me how close the Arsenal fans are to his heart
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta believes Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will stay with the Gunners for at least one more season.
Speaking about his Spanish team mate, the 26-year old confirmed what other Barcelona players declared before him and that is how Fabregas’ desire is to move back to Spain and play for the Blaugrana. Iniesta, however, explained how the Arsenal captain loves the club and loves the fans, reason why he deserves to win the Premiership title.
According to reports, the 23-year old will be leaving Arsenal next season and for Iniesta it would be a shame if he is to leave with nothing to show for.
The Barcelona midfielder added how Fabregas is capable of carrying a team on his own, just like Lionel Messi and how he hopes to see him fulfill his dream of winning in England, with Arsenal, as it would be a fantastic achievement for him as a player and his club.
He said:
Cesc wants to be with us, but he told me how close the Arsenal fans are to his heart.
He is a special player and I hope he wins the title at Arsenal this season. For them to win Cesc will have to stay fit and injury-free but he deserves to finish with a title.
For all the work and effort he has put in at Arsenal it would be a shame if it was all fruitless.
I have seen time after time Lionel Messi win games for Barcelona when the rest of the team have not been on form and Cesc can do that for Arsenal this season.
Cesc is such a special player that he could carry a team to the title on his own and I hope he does it this coming season.
It would be brilliant if Arsenal’s hero could lift the title as captain during his last season. I think that it would be fantastic for everybody.
From thegunninghawk.com
Speaking about his Spanish team mate, the 26-year old confirmed what other Barcelona players declared before him and that is how Fabregas’ desire is to move back to Spain and play for the Blaugrana. Iniesta, however, explained how the Arsenal captain loves the club and loves the fans, reason why he deserves to win the Premiership title.
According to reports, the 23-year old will be leaving Arsenal next season and for Iniesta it would be a shame if he is to leave with nothing to show for.
The Barcelona midfielder added how Fabregas is capable of carrying a team on his own, just like Lionel Messi and how he hopes to see him fulfill his dream of winning in England, with Arsenal, as it would be a fantastic achievement for him as a player and his club.
He said:
Cesc wants to be with us, but he told me how close the Arsenal fans are to his heart.
He is a special player and I hope he wins the title at Arsenal this season. For them to win Cesc will have to stay fit and injury-free but he deserves to finish with a title.
For all the work and effort he has put in at Arsenal it would be a shame if it was all fruitless.
I have seen time after time Lionel Messi win games for Barcelona when the rest of the team have not been on form and Cesc can do that for Arsenal this season.
Cesc is such a special player that he could carry a team to the title on his own and I hope he does it this coming season.
It would be brilliant if Arsenal’s hero could lift the title as captain during his last season. I think that it would be fantastic for everybody.
From thegunninghawk.com
Arsenal rumours 26th July – Vertonghen, Stekelenburg, Lukaku, Wickham and Bakambu
There is an air of desperation in the media’s Arsenal transfer rumours today, especially when they make the main link Jan Vertonghen. The ex-team-mate of Thomas Vermaelen quite clearly said in his interview that he wouldn’t consider leaving Ajax for another year at least, but the papers have turned it into a come-and-get-me plea.
Okay, I agree that Wenger may well bring him in one day (Ajax are Arsenal’s feeder team after all!), but it certainly won’t be this summer. I will personally guarantee that okay?
While we are working through the Ajax team, we may as well start with their Number One Maarten Stekelenburg, who is the latest goalkeeper to be linked with a move to the Emirates. The 27 year-old Holland international is just one of about a trillion keepers that have been linked with the Gunners this summer, but hasn’t everyone got the hint yet? Wenger has got four keepers and doesn’t want any more thank you! I will only believe there is a possibility of a new arrival when I see Almunia on the plane to Spain with a contract in his pocket…….
The rest of the rumours are “one’s for the future”. The Ipswich youngster Connor Wickham was strongly linked with Arsenal a couple of months ago, and todays stories are saying that Liverpool are now favourites to beat Arsenal and Spurs to his signature. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought that the rumours stopped when Wickham signed a new contract with the Tractor Boys, and committed to stay for a few more years?
Here is the quote, I’ve just found it. BBC 4th June – Wickham said: “Ipswich is the only thing on my mind, I’ve got no intentions of moving elsewhere. I’ve got a good head on my shoulders so it’s not going to make me get big-time or anything like that.” It seems Liverpool have other ideas…..
“Arsenal are preparing a £12m bid for Romelu Lukaku” is another big story. The 17 year-old Anderlecht youngster has been wowing the crowds in Belgium, with 17 goals in his first full season, and has been called the ‘new Drogba’ on various occasions, but this is another non-story as far as I’m concerned. Wenger has stated he doesn’t want any more strikers, and with talent like that, Lukaku is not going to be sitting in the reserves or on the bench when he does move on. And I’m sure I’ve seen a picture of him in a Chelsea shirt recently……
Last, but not least, we have Cedric Bakambu, a young Frenchman who has been impressing scouts at the U19 Championships. Apparently Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd had people watching him when France drew 1-1 with England the other night. That may well be true, but I reckon every top club in Europe has got scouts in France at this Premier competition for the U19s in Europe. I am sure he is extremely good and Sochaux will be receiving many bids for him in the future, but being watched in this competition hardly constitutes a proper rumour……
Can you all tell I am getting a lttle cynical about all these links now? I know Wenger has said that he still intends to buy another defender, but I am even not that that is going to happen any more!
From justarsenal.com
Okay, I agree that Wenger may well bring him in one day (Ajax are Arsenal’s feeder team after all!), but it certainly won’t be this summer. I will personally guarantee that okay?
While we are working through the Ajax team, we may as well start with their Number One Maarten Stekelenburg, who is the latest goalkeeper to be linked with a move to the Emirates. The 27 year-old Holland international is just one of about a trillion keepers that have been linked with the Gunners this summer, but hasn’t everyone got the hint yet? Wenger has got four keepers and doesn’t want any more thank you! I will only believe there is a possibility of a new arrival when I see Almunia on the plane to Spain with a contract in his pocket…….
The rest of the rumours are “one’s for the future”. The Ipswich youngster Connor Wickham was strongly linked with Arsenal a couple of months ago, and todays stories are saying that Liverpool are now favourites to beat Arsenal and Spurs to his signature. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought that the rumours stopped when Wickham signed a new contract with the Tractor Boys, and committed to stay for a few more years?
Here is the quote, I’ve just found it. BBC 4th June – Wickham said: “Ipswich is the only thing on my mind, I’ve got no intentions of moving elsewhere. I’ve got a good head on my shoulders so it’s not going to make me get big-time or anything like that.” It seems Liverpool have other ideas…..
“Arsenal are preparing a £12m bid for Romelu Lukaku” is another big story. The 17 year-old Anderlecht youngster has been wowing the crowds in Belgium, with 17 goals in his first full season, and has been called the ‘new Drogba’ on various occasions, but this is another non-story as far as I’m concerned. Wenger has stated he doesn’t want any more strikers, and with talent like that, Lukaku is not going to be sitting in the reserves or on the bench when he does move on. And I’m sure I’ve seen a picture of him in a Chelsea shirt recently……
Last, but not least, we have Cedric Bakambu, a young Frenchman who has been impressing scouts at the U19 Championships. Apparently Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd had people watching him when France drew 1-1 with England the other night. That may well be true, but I reckon every top club in Europe has got scouts in France at this Premier competition for the U19s in Europe. I am sure he is extremely good and Sochaux will be receiving many bids for him in the future, but being watched in this competition hardly constitutes a proper rumour……
Can you all tell I am getting a lttle cynical about all these links now? I know Wenger has said that he still intends to buy another defender, but I am even not that that is going to happen any more!
From justarsenal.com
Gibbs ready for first-team push
Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs is looking forward to competing for a place in the first-team this season.
The 20-year-old left-back missed most of last season with a foot injury, but is widely considered to be one of Arsenal's most impressive young players.
Gibbs insists he is over his injury problems now and ready to play regular football again this season.
He said: "My foot is all fine at the moment and I'm all ready for the new season.
"I feel good. My foot's not causing me any problems and there has not been a lot of reaction to the metalwork I had in there.
"I'm still at that stage when I'm just happy to be running and free to play football again."
While Arsenal are well-covered at left-back, the search still continues for extra centre-backs, and Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen has dropped a major hint that he would relish a move to the Gunners.
The defender is a former team-mate of Thomas Vermaelen, who moved from Ajax to Arsenal last summer, and Vertonghen has revealed he would love to play with the Arsenal man again.
He said: "I lost a friend when he went to Arsenal but for my career it was good. We get on really well. I speak to him sometimes a few times a week.
"He is one of my best friends and I'm very happy he has been such a success at Arsenal. He tells me really good things about Arsenal and living in London.
"I have always said to myself I want one more year at Ajax, hopefully become a champion and then move.
"I am ambitious. I want to play in the Premier League."
From arsenal-mania.com
Manchester United and Arsenal both in the hunt for German international
While Manchester City are making waves with their summer spending once again, two other Premier League title contenders are looking for cut-priced bargains in their quest to strengthen their respective squads ahead of the new campaign.
Step forward Mesut Ozil, one of the outstanding performers for Germany during the 2010 World Cup. Indeed, the Werder Bremen midfielder might not have even featured in South Africa if Michael Ballack hadn’t got injured during the FA Cup final, although it’s now thought he could be available for around £10 million.
That’s a price tag which would be to the liking of both Arsenal and Manchester United, with the latter in particular need of a creative midfielder that help carve chances for Messrs Rooney, Berbatov, Owen and Hernandez. It could prove to be one of the bargains of the summer, but which team will get their hands on this exciting player?
From footylatest.com
Step forward Mesut Ozil, one of the outstanding performers for Germany during the 2010 World Cup. Indeed, the Werder Bremen midfielder might not have even featured in South Africa if Michael Ballack hadn’t got injured during the FA Cup final, although it’s now thought he could be available for around £10 million.
That’s a price tag which would be to the liking of both Arsenal and Manchester United, with the latter in particular need of a creative midfielder that help carve chances for Messrs Rooney, Berbatov, Owen and Hernandez. It could prove to be one of the bargains of the summer, but which team will get their hands on this exciting player?
From footylatest.com
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Akinfeev eyes English move
Russian keeper looking to join Arsenal or Man Utd
Igor Akinfeev has set his sights on a move to either Arsenal or Manchester United as he looks for a new challenge away from Russia.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who has already made 40 appearances at international level, attracted admiring glances following his performances for CSKA Moscow in last season's UEFA Champions League.
He has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford for some time, with current United No. 1 Edwin van der Sar drawing towards the end of his career.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been tipped to bring in a new shot-stopper this summer and Akinfeev has spoken to compatriot Andrey Arshavin about the club.
Akinfeev admits he would be keen to join one of the Premier League giants, having heard glowing reports about Arsenal from Arshavin.
"Arsenal and Manchester United are two of the very best clubs in the world," Akinfeev told the Daily Star Sunday.
"If both of them are going to be looking for keepers this summer - or even the next summer - then of course I am interested.
Honour
"I have spoken with Arshavin about Arsenal and London life. He has only had good things to say about the club and the city.
"He said some very nice things about me going on to be the best goalkeeper in the world - and that he would like me to reach that goal at Arsenal with him.
"Of course there is every chance this will be the last season for Edwin van der Sar.
"To be the No.1 for Manchester United would be a great honour too.
"They are the biggest football club in the world and, to be their No.1 for a length of time, you know you will have success.
"Juventus have also expressed an interest in me - but Arshavin has sold England to me very well."
Akinfeev does not believe CSKA would block a transfer if the opportunity to move on presented itself.
"My contract doesn't expire until 2013 but I have a great relationship with my president," he explained.
"If the right offer, both for me and the club came in, I don't think anybody would stand in my way.
"I have been in Russia for a lot of years now and feel ready for a new challenge."
From skysports.com
Igor Akinfeev has set his sights on a move to either Arsenal or Manchester United as he looks for a new challenge away from Russia.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who has already made 40 appearances at international level, attracted admiring glances following his performances for CSKA Moscow in last season's UEFA Champions League.
He has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford for some time, with current United No. 1 Edwin van der Sar drawing towards the end of his career.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been tipped to bring in a new shot-stopper this summer and Akinfeev has spoken to compatriot Andrey Arshavin about the club.
Akinfeev admits he would be keen to join one of the Premier League giants, having heard glowing reports about Arsenal from Arshavin.
"Arsenal and Manchester United are two of the very best clubs in the world," Akinfeev told the Daily Star Sunday.
"If both of them are going to be looking for keepers this summer - or even the next summer - then of course I am interested.
Honour
"I have spoken with Arshavin about Arsenal and London life. He has only had good things to say about the club and the city.
"He said some very nice things about me going on to be the best goalkeeper in the world - and that he would like me to reach that goal at Arsenal with him.
"Of course there is every chance this will be the last season for Edwin van der Sar.
"To be the No.1 for Manchester United would be a great honour too.
"They are the biggest football club in the world and, to be their No.1 for a length of time, you know you will have success.
"Juventus have also expressed an interest in me - but Arshavin has sold England to me very well."
Akinfeev does not believe CSKA would block a transfer if the opportunity to move on presented itself.
"My contract doesn't expire until 2013 but I have a great relationship with my president," he explained.
"If the right offer, both for me and the club came in, I don't think anybody would stand in my way.
"I have been in Russia for a lot of years now and feel ready for a new challenge."
From skysports.com
Koscielny: I can't wait to play at the Emirates
New signing Laurent Koscielny is relishing the prospect of playing at the Emirates Stadium, and his next available opportunity will be at the inaugural Emirates Cup.
This year's opposition will see the likes of AC Milan, Celtic and FC Lyon, of whom Koscielny is familiar with, having played against them in the French league during his time with FC Lorient.
Koscielny said: "We play against two very big clubs in AC Milan and Celtic, and I can't wait to wear the Arsenal shirt at the Emirates Stadium.
"Lyon were champions for a long time in France and dominated the country's football for a long period.
"For the past two seasons they haven't won the French league title but they still have plenty of very good international players like Lisandro Lopez, Michel Bastos and Jimmy Briand.
"Lyon are the biggest team in France, they have a very good defence with powerful players like Cris and Sissoko.
"They have very strong individual players and as we all know, they did very well in last season's Champions League. Along with Marseille, in my opinion they are the number one team in France.
"They are a very good team to watch and the whole Emirates Cup will be a great experience for all the supporters."
From arsenal-mania.com
This year's opposition will see the likes of AC Milan, Celtic and FC Lyon, of whom Koscielny is familiar with, having played against them in the French league during his time with FC Lorient.
Koscielny said: "We play against two very big clubs in AC Milan and Celtic, and I can't wait to wear the Arsenal shirt at the Emirates Stadium.
"Lyon were champions for a long time in France and dominated the country's football for a long period.
"For the past two seasons they haven't won the French league title but they still have plenty of very good international players like Lisandro Lopez, Michel Bastos and Jimmy Briand.
"Lyon are the biggest team in France, they have a very good defence with powerful players like Cris and Sissoko.
"They have very strong individual players and as we all know, they did very well in last season's Champions League. Along with Marseille, in my opinion they are the number one team in France.
"They are a very good team to watch and the whole Emirates Cup will be a great experience for all the supporters."
From arsenal-mania.com
Iniesta - Cesc will stay
Barca ace wishes Arsenal captain well in 'last season' at Emirates
Andres Iniesta appears resigned to the fact that Barcelona will not sign Cesc Fabregas for another 12 months after wishing his Spanish compatriot well at Arsenal for the forthcoming campaign.
Barca's pursuit of the midfielder has provided one of the transfer sagas of the summer but the Gunners have held firm and rebuffed interest.
Pep Guardiola is pessimistic over his side's chances of securing Fabregas and Barca midfielder Iniesta accepts that a move is not going to happen.
He has spoken to Fabregas and hopes the 23-year-old can lead Arsenal to Premier League glory this season.
"Cesc wants to be with us, but he told me how close the Arsenal fans are to his heart," Iniesta told the News of the World.
"He is a special player and I hope he wins the title at Arsenal this season.
"For them to win Cesc will have to stay fit and injury-free but he deserves to finish with a title.
From skysports.com
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Defender wants mean streak
Johan Djourou is warning the rest of the Premier League to expect a much tougher and more aggressive Arsenal side next season.
The Gunners paid the price for a number of defensive lapses in their chase for the title last term but Djourou is confident it will be a different story this time around.
41 goals were scored against Arsenal last season - nine more than champions Chelsea and some 13 extra than Manchester United.
The Swiss international, who is on his way back from a long-term knee injury, is anxious to do his bit to make the Gunners more water-tight after only appearing in one game during the previous campaign.
"It is true that 41 goals is too much when you are playing for the top places," the defender told the club's official website.
"I think sometimes we are missing a bit of aggression.
"It is not that we are not good enough, because the team is good enough.
"We have top players at the back, top players all over the pitch. It is just that we have to be stronger as a unit."
The 23-year-old, though, is ready for the challenges ahead as he looks to battle summer signing Laurent Koscielny alongside Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Gunners defence.
"Now it is time to step up and start," Djourou declared.
"I will always say that, but now I am mature enough.
"We will have to see with the injury because when you have it for so long it is difficult to come straight back into things.
"But I played 90 minutes against Strum Graz and it went well.
"I have to get other games under my belt and hopefully I will be ready."
From clubcall.com
The Gunners paid the price for a number of defensive lapses in their chase for the title last term but Djourou is confident it will be a different story this time around.
41 goals were scored against Arsenal last season - nine more than champions Chelsea and some 13 extra than Manchester United.
The Swiss international, who is on his way back from a long-term knee injury, is anxious to do his bit to make the Gunners more water-tight after only appearing in one game during the previous campaign.
"It is true that 41 goals is too much when you are playing for the top places," the defender told the club's official website.
"I think sometimes we are missing a bit of aggression.
"It is not that we are not good enough, because the team is good enough.
"We have top players at the back, top players all over the pitch. It is just that we have to be stronger as a unit."
The 23-year-old, though, is ready for the challenges ahead as he looks to battle summer signing Laurent Koscielny alongside Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Gunners defence.
"Now it is time to step up and start," Djourou declared.
"I will always say that, but now I am mature enough.
"We will have to see with the injury because when you have it for so long it is difficult to come straight back into things.
"But I played 90 minutes against Strum Graz and it went well.
"I have to get other games under my belt and hopefully I will be ready."
From clubcall.com
Arsenal’s forgotten man #2
One of Arsene Wenger’s first ever signings for the club was an unknown 18-year-old left-back called David Grondin.
Wenger signed Grondin for £500,000 from French club Saint-Etienne, as part of Wenger’s youth development project. The full-back was dubbed as the best young defender in French football, and he emerged through the ranks in France in much the same way as Anelka did, when at PSG.
Arsene Wenger had the intention of signing Grondin so he could learn from veteran defender Nigel Winterburn, and eventually replace the Englishman.
This never happened. It may have been down to the fact that Grondin just never fulfilled his potential as a youngster, or it could have been because we had future England left-back Ashley Cole rising through the ranks at the same time.
Grondin made one Premier League appearance, two League Cup and one Champions League appearance for the Gunners, before being loaned back to St Etienne in 1999/2000, Cannes in 2000/01 and Arsenal’s feeder club Beveren in 2001/02; he joined Dunfermline Athletic in January 2003.
The Frenchman had spells in France and Belgium before finally signing for Belgian club RAEC Mons.
David Grondin was amongst the many players at Arsenal who just didn’t make it, and seem to disappear from the top-flight of football altogether.
From arsenal-opinion.com
Wenger signed Grondin for £500,000 from French club Saint-Etienne, as part of Wenger’s youth development project. The full-back was dubbed as the best young defender in French football, and he emerged through the ranks in France in much the same way as Anelka did, when at PSG.
Arsene Wenger had the intention of signing Grondin so he could learn from veteran defender Nigel Winterburn, and eventually replace the Englishman.
This never happened. It may have been down to the fact that Grondin just never fulfilled his potential as a youngster, or it could have been because we had future England left-back Ashley Cole rising through the ranks at the same time.
Grondin made one Premier League appearance, two League Cup and one Champions League appearance for the Gunners, before being loaned back to St Etienne in 1999/2000, Cannes in 2000/01 and Arsenal’s feeder club Beveren in 2001/02; he joined Dunfermline Athletic in January 2003.
The Frenchman had spells in France and Belgium before finally signing for Belgian club RAEC Mons.
David Grondin was amongst the many players at Arsenal who just didn’t make it, and seem to disappear from the top-flight of football altogether.
From arsenal-opinion.com
Arsenal’s 3 Greatest …Captains
With the future of The Gunners’ current skipper Cesc Fabregas still far from being fully resolved, we look back at three of the Spaniard’s predecessors who have performed this role with particular distinction during the last 50 years.
This trio were all fine players in their day, great leaders on the pitch and lifted their fair share of trophies. They each represent a distinct episode in the North Londoners’ recent history whilst occupying a space in the minds of the Arsenal faithful.
Frank McLintock
The Scottish centre-half was made skipper by Bertie Mee in 1967. In proved to be an inspired move as the next four years would be a rollercoaster at Highbury. After the pain of two successive defeats in the League Cup Finals of 1968 and 1969, Arsenal won the Fairs Cup in 1970 and McLintock secured his place in history the following season by leading Arsenal to their first ever League and FA Cup double.
Tony Adams
‘Mr Arsenal’ was the archetypal one-club man. He became the club’s youngest-ever skipper at only 21-years-old when inheriting the armband from Kenny Samsom in 1988 and led The Gunners to nine major trophies before his retirement in 2002. He is the only player to captain a Championship-winning side in three different decades and made over 400 appearances for the North Londoners from the heart of defence.
Adams played 66 times for England, including 15 games as captain, and went on to manage both Portsmouth and Wycombe.
Patrick Vieira
Arsenal’s first foreign captain was the natural choice to succeed Tony Adams in 2002. The Frenchman lifted the FA Cup in his first season as skipper before playing a pivotal part in the legendary unbeaten title campaign that followed.
His height, stamina and physical presence ensured that he was a great leader and a colossus in midfield. He won everything that the English game had to offer before leaving for Juventus in 2005 and being replaced by Wenger’s new rising star Cesc Fabregas. Vieira also won international honours and possesses World Cup 98 and Euro 2000 Winners’ medals from a long and successful career with France.
From footballtransfertavern.com
Djourou wants improved defence
Johan Djourou hopes he can help Arsenal concede fewer goals in their hunt for trophies this season.
The Gunners have gone five seasons without silverware, and Djouoru believes they conceded too many goals in the league last season, and that their poor defensive record was what ultimately cost them first place.
The Swiss defender missed the entire campaign through injury, but hopes he can recover and help tighten up Arsenal's backline this season.
Talking to Arsenal.com, he said: "It is true that 41 goals is too much when you are playing for the top places.
"I think sometimes we are missing a bit of aggression. It is not that we are not good enough, because the team is good enough.
"We have top players at the back, top players all over the pitch. It is just that we have to be stronger as a unit."
After such a lengthy spell out, there have been question marks over how the 23-year-old will recover, and Djourou knows he will have a lot to prove this year.
He said: "Now it is time to step up and start. I will always say that, but now I am mature enough.
"We will have to see with the injury because when you have it for so long it is difficult to come straight back into things.
"But I played 90 minutes against Strum Graz and it went well. I have to get other games under my belt and hopefully I will be ready."
From arsenal-mania.com
The Gunners have gone five seasons without silverware, and Djouoru believes they conceded too many goals in the league last season, and that their poor defensive record was what ultimately cost them first place.
The Swiss defender missed the entire campaign through injury, but hopes he can recover and help tighten up Arsenal's backline this season.
Talking to Arsenal.com, he said: "It is true that 41 goals is too much when you are playing for the top places.
"I think sometimes we are missing a bit of aggression. It is not that we are not good enough, because the team is good enough.
"We have top players at the back, top players all over the pitch. It is just that we have to be stronger as a unit."
After such a lengthy spell out, there have been question marks over how the 23-year-old will recover, and Djourou knows he will have a lot to prove this year.
He said: "Now it is time to step up and start. I will always say that, but now I am mature enough.
"We will have to see with the injury because when you have it for so long it is difficult to come straight back into things.
"But I played 90 minutes against Strum Graz and it went well. I have to get other games under my belt and hopefully I will be ready."
From arsenal-mania.com
Arsenal in Almunia talks with Osasuna?
There is a report this morning saying that Arsenal are still trying to find a Spanish club to take Manuel Almunia off their hands to make room for Mark Schwarzer in the squad.
The Goon Blog says this morning that Arsenal were in talks with the Spanish La Liga side Osasuna, but they have a stumbling block in the size of Almunia’s wage packet, which is said to be £50,000 a week. It seems that the only way to get past it is if Arsenal allow Almunia to leave on a virtual free transfer to give Osasuna more money to pay the 32 year-old’s wages.
Atletico Madrid were the first reported suitors, but are also believed to have dropped out due to Almunias wage expectations.
A compromise just has to be found soon as Almunia is not going to be happy to be left on the bench or in the reserves, and Arsenal can’t justify having five goalkeepers on the books fighting for one place.
Although Wojneich Szczesny is expected to become an Arsenal star in the future, he is not considered ready to play in the Premier League yet, and both Fabianski and Mannone both need to have their confidence restored before taking the Number One shirt on a regular basis.
So it looks like Schwarzer will have to come in (although Andrei Arshavin doesn’t think he will) or we may be left with Almunia and Fabianski as the first two choices again next season. Uh Oh!
From justarsenal.com
Friday, July 23, 2010
Wenger and Vermaelen feeling confident of success
The manager has been pleased with his team's start to pre-season, but knows they will have a tough job carrying that form into the beginning of the campaign.
Wenger's side could face a tricky start with an opening day visit to Anfield, but the Frenchman wants his players to start strongly to gain confidence to go all the way.
Wenger told the official Arsenal magazine: "The aim is to continue to progress as we have been doing.
"We were very close last year – closer than the previous season – so we are heading in the right way. We hope we can continue that this season.
"It is important to start well, start strongly and get into a good position early on and to try to maintain the level."
Defender Vermaelen also believes Arsenal can improve on last season, citing the team's mental strength and desire to win.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, he said: "We have a good young group who are very aggressive and want to improve.
"I hope we can compete for the title this year and I am convinced we will. People will always say we can't compete – it is not the first time, but we have to do what we always do which is work hard and play our own game, then we can compete."
From arsenal-mania.com
Wenger's side could face a tricky start with an opening day visit to Anfield, but the Frenchman wants his players to start strongly to gain confidence to go all the way.
Wenger told the official Arsenal magazine: "The aim is to continue to progress as we have been doing.
"We were very close last year – closer than the previous season – so we are heading in the right way. We hope we can continue that this season.
"It is important to start well, start strongly and get into a good position early on and to try to maintain the level."
Defender Vermaelen also believes Arsenal can improve on last season, citing the team's mental strength and desire to win.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, he said: "We have a good young group who are very aggressive and want to improve.
"I hope we can compete for the title this year and I am convinced we will. People will always say we can't compete – it is not the first time, but we have to do what we always do which is work hard and play our own game, then we can compete."
From arsenal-mania.com
the-cannon.com
This summer we found ourselves in a dangerous position with three centre backs all reaching the end of their contracts and all three looking likely to move on. Last week at the Barnet friendly Arsene Wenger confirmed that Gallas and Silvestre were unlikely to be with us next season and have since been removed from the squad pages of Arsenal.com. However he said Sol Campbell’s future was still up in the air, he is still listed on those squad pages and is now looking likely to sign a new one year deal with us. He was in talks with Celtic and Sunderland but it looks as if both of those have fell through and we will stay with Arsenal.
He was a shock addition in January, joining on a six-month deal as back up but ended up playing an important role with Gallas out injured. It was clear that he wasn’t quite as fit as everyone else but his commitment was still 100% there and he could definitely do a job in the centre of defence. Not only that but his leadership qualities were vitally important, he was one of few experienced players in the season run in and I believe his presence really helped us keep going. He knows all about what it takes to play in this league, he might not have the legs so much but he still has the brain.
So what if the rumours are true and Sol is staying another year? I was hoping we would sign another defender in his prime but knowing Wenger if he takes Campbell on for another year I think that might be chequebook closed in that department. It would mean we have four central defenders in the first team; Vermaelen, Koscielny, Djourou and Campbell which I guess isn’t bad – Koscielny and Djourou will be fighting for that place alongside Vermaelen with Sol taking more of a dressing room role and filling in where necessary. We can’t expect him to play 90 minutes, week in, week out but we can expect him to give everything when the chance comes.
Sol plus one more defender would be ideal but I think we might be just about alright with those four you know. We’d have Nordtveit, Eastmond and Miquel behind them and the former has impressed in pre-season so far. I suspect that Wenger will see how it goes with the current lot and if it isn’t quite up to standard he may add one more before the window shuts but if Sol does sign in the next few days then I don’t think we can expect much more activity in that area, sadly.
Moving on and there’s a bit of injury news to report. Yeah I know – start as you mean to go on! Denilson and Bendtner are missing from the Austrian camp due to two groin problems but Wenger insists they are nothing serious and we can expect them back soon:
“Bendtner has a groin and Denilson has a groin as well. The injuries do not look big but at the moment they cannot fulfil full training sessions. They will be one week behind the rest.”
With Eduardo gone and Wenger not looking to sign another striker this season is another chance for Bendtner to impress. I thought he did alright last year and he still has age on his side to improve his game. I do like Bendtner and I can be patient with him, he knows what he’s doing, he brings players into play well and he has become a lot less selfish than when he first joined. He scored 12 goals last season which isn’t bad going, his target this year should to be to reach the 20-goal mark; if he makes that then I’ll be happy with him.
David Villa has joined in calling for Cesc to join Barcelona. Yawn. Everybody knows that Fabregas wants to go back to Barcelona, everybody knows about his ‘DNA’ and everybody knows that all the players there want him to join them. However everybody knows that Barcelona can’t afford him, so how about upping your bid or shutting the fuck up? That’s all I have to say.
Jack Wilshere’s been talking about his need to play. After tasting first team football at Bolton I think he might want some sort of promise from Mr. Wenger about what kind of game time he can expect next season. I hope he doesn’t opt to go out on loan again because as I said previously I think he could do a great job in our team if we picked up an injury in his position.
And finally Thierry Henry scored in his debut for New York against Spurs, which is just absolutely sweet. I was up late last night to watch the game on the net and there were thousands of Gooners in attendance outnumbering the travelling scum to see Titi put another one past the old enemy. It was great to see and I’m sure he enjoyed that one. If you haven’t
He was a shock addition in January, joining on a six-month deal as back up but ended up playing an important role with Gallas out injured. It was clear that he wasn’t quite as fit as everyone else but his commitment was still 100% there and he could definitely do a job in the centre of defence. Not only that but his leadership qualities were vitally important, he was one of few experienced players in the season run in and I believe his presence really helped us keep going. He knows all about what it takes to play in this league, he might not have the legs so much but he still has the brain.
So what if the rumours are true and Sol is staying another year? I was hoping we would sign another defender in his prime but knowing Wenger if he takes Campbell on for another year I think that might be chequebook closed in that department. It would mean we have four central defenders in the first team; Vermaelen, Koscielny, Djourou and Campbell which I guess isn’t bad – Koscielny and Djourou will be fighting for that place alongside Vermaelen with Sol taking more of a dressing room role and filling in where necessary. We can’t expect him to play 90 minutes, week in, week out but we can expect him to give everything when the chance comes.
Sol plus one more defender would be ideal but I think we might be just about alright with those four you know. We’d have Nordtveit, Eastmond and Miquel behind them and the former has impressed in pre-season so far. I suspect that Wenger will see how it goes with the current lot and if it isn’t quite up to standard he may add one more before the window shuts but if Sol does sign in the next few days then I don’t think we can expect much more activity in that area, sadly.
Moving on and there’s a bit of injury news to report. Yeah I know – start as you mean to go on! Denilson and Bendtner are missing from the Austrian camp due to two groin problems but Wenger insists they are nothing serious and we can expect them back soon:
“Bendtner has a groin and Denilson has a groin as well. The injuries do not look big but at the moment they cannot fulfil full training sessions. They will be one week behind the rest.”
With Eduardo gone and Wenger not looking to sign another striker this season is another chance for Bendtner to impress. I thought he did alright last year and he still has age on his side to improve his game. I do like Bendtner and I can be patient with him, he knows what he’s doing, he brings players into play well and he has become a lot less selfish than when he first joined. He scored 12 goals last season which isn’t bad going, his target this year should to be to reach the 20-goal mark; if he makes that then I’ll be happy with him.
David Villa has joined in calling for Cesc to join Barcelona. Yawn. Everybody knows that Fabregas wants to go back to Barcelona, everybody knows about his ‘DNA’ and everybody knows that all the players there want him to join them. However everybody knows that Barcelona can’t afford him, so how about upping your bid or shutting the fuck up? That’s all I have to say.
Jack Wilshere’s been talking about his need to play. After tasting first team football at Bolton I think he might want some sort of promise from Mr. Wenger about what kind of game time he can expect next season. I hope he doesn’t opt to go out on loan again because as I said previously I think he could do a great job in our team if we picked up an injury in his position.
And finally Thierry Henry scored in his debut for New York against Spurs, which is just absolutely sweet. I was up late last night to watch the game on the net and there were thousands of Gooners in attendance outnumbering the travelling scum to see Titi put another one past the old enemy. It was great to see and I’m sure he enjoyed that one. If you haven’t
Wilshere - I just want to play this season
However, the 18-year-old hasn't yet spoken to Arsène Wenger and says he'll have to see what the manager decides.
Wilshere spent the second half of last term gaining valuable first-team experience on loan at Bolton. He played 14 times for the Trotters and says that has made him even more hungry for first-team action.
Speaking to Arsenal.com in Austria, the midfielder outlined his main target for the new season.
"I just want to play," he said. "I haven't spoken to the boss yet, so I'll speak to him and see what happens.
"My loan spell was good overall. I got some games under my belt and that was the main objective of it, to come back with some more experience.
"I think when you play you are used to it and it makes you want more, so you come back even more hungry."
From arsenal.com
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Goodbye and good luck Eduardo!
Shakhtar Donetsk have announced the signing of Eduardo from Arsenal for a fee of £6.2 million.
The 27-year-old Croatian international failed to hold down a regular place with the Gunners last season as he struggled to regain form and fitness following a shocking double leg break at Birmingham City in February 2008.
He agreed terms for the move on Sunday after six days of negotiations and passed a medical yesterday. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wanted to keep the Brazil-born star but Eduardo feared he would not be a regular starter.
Everyone at Gooner Talk would like to wish Eduardo all the success in the world at Shakhtar. Leave your views of the respected frontman in the comments section below.
From goonertalk.com
Arsenal ban Vuvuzelas
Arsenal have joined a growing list of clubs that have banned vuvuzelas from their grounds.
A statement on the Arsenal web site read:
“Further to their hugely debated involvement at this summer’s World Cup Finals in South Africa, Arsenal Football Club has decided to forbid the use of vuvuzelas within Emirates Stadium with immediate effect. This decision has been taken to ensure the enjoyment and safety of supporters on Matchdays, which is of paramount importance to the club.”
From wearearsenalblog.com
Magic Honda still a possibility for Arsenal
Arsene Wenger said that he thought that the CSKA Moscow and Japan star Keisuke Honda was the star of the World Cup. He said: “This Japansese team is based on a solid and collective defence in which everybody knows exactly what to do,”
“When they get the ball they can give it to Honda – and the magic starts.
“When they get that genius Honda playing up front, he has shown what a top class player he is. For me he’s the best performer of the competition so far.”
Well now it is being reported that both Arsenal and Liverpool have been making enquiries about bringing him to the Premier League, and Sport.co.uk contacted his agent, Kees Ploegsma, to find out whether they were true.
He said: “A few clubs have contacted me about the situation and asked me questions about Keisuke but no club has made a serious offer for him. No one has contacted the club to make a formal offer.”
When asked if Liverpool and Arsenal were interested, Ploegsma said: “Liverpool have not been in contact regarding him.”
As he was obviouly avoiding the Arsenal question, Sport then asked again if Arsenal were considering a bid, and he replied: “I don’t know yet. There are several clubs interested but so far nothing has happened regarding a formal offer.
“I don’t know if CSKA Moscow will let him leave, or what sort of money they will be asking. Discussions will take place when a club makes a formal offer for the player.”
This situation reminds me of Wenger’s pursuit of Andrei Arshavin after the European Championships two years ago. Perhaps he will get his man again?
From justarsenal.com
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Almunia out in the cold at Arsenal
The future of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia looks more uncertain after the player was named in the squad to face Barnet but didn’t feature at Underhill on Saturday.
The Spanish stopper was named in the 22 but Lukasz Fabianski started between the posts with youngsters Wojciech Szczesny and Vito Mannone on the bench.
It was a comfortable 4-0 victory for the Gunners, but for Almunia his situation at The Emirates is far from comfortable. The Gunners’ keeper came in for criticism last season for some high profile errors and Premier League Betting reports have suggested Wenger has lost patience with the player who signed from Celta Vigo in 2004.
It’s believed Wenger is ready to offload Almunia and even admitted on Saturday after the win at Underhill that he hasn’t got a number one at the club at the moment.
Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer and Udinese keeper Samir Handanovic have been linked with a move to The Emirates, but Wenger has poured cold water on the Schwarzer talk. He denied interest in the Australian keeper, but did admit he was “still looking at various situations”.
Wenger has insisted he will give all his keepers a chance, but if Almunia is for the chop it’s highly unlikely Fabianski will start the season between the sticks. Fabianski, like Almunia, made some high-profile mistakes last term and his inexperience cost the Gunners on several occasions.
So it seems safe to place a football bet on the fact that the Gunners will have a new number one on board before the start of the season.
From footbo.com
The Spanish stopper was named in the 22 but Lukasz Fabianski started between the posts with youngsters Wojciech Szczesny and Vito Mannone on the bench.
It was a comfortable 4-0 victory for the Gunners, but for Almunia his situation at The Emirates is far from comfortable. The Gunners’ keeper came in for criticism last season for some high profile errors and Premier League Betting reports have suggested Wenger has lost patience with the player who signed from Celta Vigo in 2004.
It’s believed Wenger is ready to offload Almunia and even admitted on Saturday after the win at Underhill that he hasn’t got a number one at the club at the moment.
Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer and Udinese keeper Samir Handanovic have been linked with a move to The Emirates, but Wenger has poured cold water on the Schwarzer talk. He denied interest in the Australian keeper, but did admit he was “still looking at various situations”.
Wenger has insisted he will give all his keepers a chance, but if Almunia is for the chop it’s highly unlikely Fabianski will start the season between the sticks. Fabianski, like Almunia, made some high-profile mistakes last term and his inexperience cost the Gunners on several occasions.
So it seems safe to place a football bet on the fact that the Gunners will have a new number one on board before the start of the season.
From footbo.com
Joe Cole is an idiot!
Maybe I’m just a bitter Arsenal fan, but Joe Cole signing for Liverpool has proved to me what a hypocrite and a fool the man is.
In a previous statement, Cole said, “the next contract will be a footballing decision..”.
Joe, you’ve just left Chelsea, to join the dullest team in the Premiership! How is that signing for ‘a footballing decision’? Maybe I’m misinterpreting what Joe means by a ‘a footballing decision’.
Joe Cole is a footballer, and he will not suit Liverpool’s long ball game. It’s a shame really, because he is one player who would’ve suited Arsenal or Man United, or even, dare I say it, Tottenham. But he doesn’t suit Liverpool at all.
Actually, I am just bitter! I wanted Joe Cole and I thought he was going to join us.
From arsenal-opinion.com
In a previous statement, Cole said, “the next contract will be a footballing decision..”.
Joe, you’ve just left Chelsea, to join the dullest team in the Premiership! How is that signing for ‘a footballing decision’? Maybe I’m misinterpreting what Joe means by a ‘a footballing decision’.
Joe Cole is a footballer, and he will not suit Liverpool’s long ball game. It’s a shame really, because he is one player who would’ve suited Arsenal or Man United, or even, dare I say it, Tottenham. But he doesn’t suit Liverpool at all.
Actually, I am just bitter! I wanted Joe Cole and I thought he was going to join us.
From arsenal-opinion.com
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Arsene Wenger on Cesc Fabregas: He’s our captain, we want to keep him, end of story
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed captain Cesc Fabregas – an important element of his squad – will be an Arsenal player next season
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Frenchman said how the situation of the Spaniard was blown out of proportion when in reality the club’s position has always been to keep the midfielder and how all offers were categorically rejected.
Wenger said how the North London Club was never interested in listening to offers for the 23-year old, adding how he spoke with the player about his future and how he will not reveal what the two said during their conversation. Wenger also said how a lot of “unneeded talk” didn’t help the club, reason why all the speculation is to cease.
Arsenal kicked off their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 4-0 win against Barnet with youngsters Jay Simpson and Emmanuel Frimpong stealing the show for the Gunners.
On Fabregas, Wenger said:
There was too much talk.
I always said that we are really, really wanting him to stay as he is such an important player for us.
He’s our captain, we want to keep him and that’s why we are not listening to any offers.
It just was not a problem of money, just the desire to keep him at the club. It is stopped (the talk). We never wanted to start anyway.
I have spoken to him, of course, but I never come out publicly with what we talk about.
There was a lot of unneeded talk that was not helpful for Arsenal Football Club and that’s why I don’t think we have to add anything to that.
I know what is important for us. Arsenal Football Club is a massive club and what is important is that everybody focuses on being successful next season.
From thegunninghawk.com
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Frenchman said how the situation of the Spaniard was blown out of proportion when in reality the club’s position has always been to keep the midfielder and how all offers were categorically rejected.
Wenger said how the North London Club was never interested in listening to offers for the 23-year old, adding how he spoke with the player about his future and how he will not reveal what the two said during their conversation. Wenger also said how a lot of “unneeded talk” didn’t help the club, reason why all the speculation is to cease.
Arsenal kicked off their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 4-0 win against Barnet with youngsters Jay Simpson and Emmanuel Frimpong stealing the show for the Gunners.
On Fabregas, Wenger said:
There was too much talk.
I always said that we are really, really wanting him to stay as he is such an important player for us.
He’s our captain, we want to keep him and that’s why we are not listening to any offers.
It just was not a problem of money, just the desire to keep him at the club. It is stopped (the talk). We never wanted to start anyway.
I have spoken to him, of course, but I never come out publicly with what we talk about.
There was a lot of unneeded talk that was not helpful for Arsenal Football Club and that’s why I don’t think we have to add anything to that.
I know what is important for us. Arsenal Football Club is a massive club and what is important is that everybody focuses on being successful next season.
From thegunninghawk.com
Henry - Tough choice for Cesc
"Gunners legend would understand Fabregas exit"
Thierry Henry does not want to see Cesc Fabregas leave Arsenal, but would understand if he chose to join Barcelona.
Spain international midfielder Fabregas is at the centre of the summer's major transfer tale with Barca keen to bring him back to the club where he began his career.
The Gunners skipper has previously admitted that he would welcome a move to Camp Nou, but with manager Arsene Wenger standing firm, Barca have hinted they may wait until next summer to test the water again.
And former France striker Henry, who left North London for the Catalan club three years ago, believes the 23-year-old has been placed in a tough position.
"It is hard because the guy is from Barcelona. I wouldn't like to be in his shoes that's all I can say," Henry said.
"I wouldn't like to be in his position because he is from there and he loves Arsenal. I don't know what to say about this, because I don't want to talk for him.
"But as an Arsenal fan, for me, I want him to stay at Arsenal, but I would also understand if he goes back home."
Waterboy
Henry is preparing to begin a new chapter in his life after he signed for Major League Soccer side the New York Red Bulls this week.
The 32-year-old is likely to finish his career in the United States after he signed a "multi-year deal", but revealed when his playing days are over he would like to return to Emirates Stadium in some capacity.
"What I want to do is when I retire, I don't know how, but I want to come back to Arsenal," he added.
"I have just come here (New York) to play and to compete and win another title. After everything is done then I will think about it.
"Whatever it is I want to come back (to Arsenal), maybe as a waterboy, I just love this club."
Coincidentally, Henry's first game for New York could be against the Gunners' north-London rivals Tottenham, with the teams to meet in a pre-season friendly on Thursday.
"I'm trying to get back in shape (for the match)," he added. "I've not done much since the World Cup. I don't think I will play long, but we will see."
From skysports.com
Spain international midfielder Fabregas is at the centre of the summer's major transfer tale with Barca keen to bring him back to the club where he began his career.
The Gunners skipper has previously admitted that he would welcome a move to Camp Nou, but with manager Arsene Wenger standing firm, Barca have hinted they may wait until next summer to test the water again.
And former France striker Henry, who left North London for the Catalan club three years ago, believes the 23-year-old has been placed in a tough position.
"It is hard because the guy is from Barcelona. I wouldn't like to be in his shoes that's all I can say," Henry said.
"I wouldn't like to be in his position because he is from there and he loves Arsenal. I don't know what to say about this, because I don't want to talk for him.
"But as an Arsenal fan, for me, I want him to stay at Arsenal, but I would also understand if he goes back home."
Waterboy
Henry is preparing to begin a new chapter in his life after he signed for Major League Soccer side the New York Red Bulls this week.
The 32-year-old is likely to finish his career in the United States after he signed a "multi-year deal", but revealed when his playing days are over he would like to return to Emirates Stadium in some capacity.
"What I want to do is when I retire, I don't know how, but I want to come back to Arsenal," he added.
"I have just come here (New York) to play and to compete and win another title. After everything is done then I will think about it.
"Whatever it is I want to come back (to Arsenal), maybe as a waterboy, I just love this club."
Coincidentally, Henry's first game for New York could be against the Gunners' north-London rivals Tottenham, with the teams to meet in a pre-season friendly on Thursday.
"I'm trying to get back in shape (for the match)," he added. "I've not done much since the World Cup. I don't think I will play long, but we will see."
From skysports.com
Is Eduardo off to Shakhtar Donestk for £7m
by CARL ELDRIDGE Eduardo could be on his way to Shakhtar Donestk for £7m, reports are suggesting. I heard yesterday that four clubs were in for the Croatian star including Aston Villa but rumours doing the rounds this afternoon indicate that the frontman we bough three years ago from Dinamo Zagreb is on his way to the Ukraine.
If the switch does go through, it could, could, mean that the bid for Joe Cole gathers more pace as we have been told that the arrival of free agent formerly of Chelshit depends on players going from the Arsenal, namely Tom Rosicky or Eduardo. Seeing as Tom signed a new contract last season and figured in the 4-0 victory at Barnet yesterday it could well be that our No.9 is the one leaving. Nothing is official and I should emphasise this is what I am hearing. More info as and when it arrives...
From arsenalinsider.com
Barnet 0 – 4 Arsenal
The boys are back, the boys are back in town, real football has returned.
Gooners in the street drinking cans of beer, The Old Red Lion rammed to capacity, the North Terrace bouncing. It’s Barnet away and we like it.
It was a strong team to start the match, mixed with some of the young first team lads. JET and Frimpong looked absolutely quality in midfield. TV5 and LK6 look solid together and Jay Simpson is Mr. Poacher.
There was only 90 seconds on the clock when Rosicky found Andrey with a neat one-two just outside the area. Andrey was clear, took a touch, fooled the keeper and bagged it with ease.
Arsenal played the ball across the box until it found Jack Wilshere with time and space on the right he slotted it back to Simpson, from 8 yards, he isn’t going to miss, 2-nil.
We grabbed a third on half time. A quick break from a hungry Arshavin, a pass to Wilshere, and a low cross for Simpson to pounce and tap it home with ease.
The second half saw the return of Djourou and Gibbs, superb, Theo Walcott looked sharp and a debut for Chamkah Chamakh (so good we’ve named him twice) who spent a lot of time holding the ball up and he did it well. Also it’s the fist time I’ve seen Ignasi Miquel, give it 6 years and Barca will be begging for him back.
The fourth goal on 75 was bizarre, a miss control pass at the back, Nasri picked up the ball took a touch, and crashed it home. An easy game for Arsenal as it should be but and entertaining afternoon in the sun. Role on Sturm Graz on Wednesday for anyone lucky enough to be going there.
First Half Team: Lukasz Fabianski, Havard Nordtveit, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Armand Traore, Emmanuel Frimpong, Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere, Andrey Arshavin, Jay Simpson, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.
Second Half Team: Vito Mannone (Wojciech Szczesny 68), Ignasi Miquel, Johan Djourou, Kieran Gibbs, Craig Eastmond, Samir Nasri, Conor Henderson, Henri Lansbury, Nacer Barazite, Theo Walcott, Marouane Chamakh.
Goals: Arshavin 2, Simpson 16, 45, Nasri 75.
From Arsenal fc
Saturday, July 17, 2010
[Rate The Rumour] Arsenal Transfer Rumours, 16/07 – Connor Wickham and Lacina Traore
Starting the last week of April and going through the summer, The Gunning Hawk will bring you one article of the most creative and sensational of Arsenal transfer rumours. Of course, please understand that most of them – if not all of them – are “wrong”, to use the same word used by Arsene Wenger. But, it will interesting to discuss what it would be if one or more transfers do indeed go through.
July 16
Arsenal’s pre-season officially starts tomorrow as we face Barnet in our first friendly game of the summer. Meanwhile, two young strikers are today linked with a possible move to Arsenal.
The club’s official website Transfer Linked today reported how according to the Daily Mail, the Gunners as well as Tottenham are interested in 17-year old Connor Wickham. The youngster impressed during the European Under-17 championships in May where he scored in both the semi-final and final so it seems he’s good indeed.
In other news, Sport.co.uk reports how CFR Cluj forward Lacina Traore is being monitored by Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, PSV Eindhoven, Turkish club Galatasaray, German Bundesliga club Hamburg and Arsenal. That the 20-year old – nicknamed the “new Adebayor” – is a target for the Gunners was confirmed by manager Andrea Mandorlini last May.
And finally, yesterday’s results. 2,001 votes as Joe Hart gets an amazing 1,118 positive votes from our readers. Anthony Annan, on the other hand, only gets 468.
From thegunninghawk.com
July 16
Arsenal’s pre-season officially starts tomorrow as we face Barnet in our first friendly game of the summer. Meanwhile, two young strikers are today linked with a possible move to Arsenal.
The club’s official website Transfer Linked today reported how according to the Daily Mail, the Gunners as well as Tottenham are interested in 17-year old Connor Wickham. The youngster impressed during the European Under-17 championships in May where he scored in both the semi-final and final so it seems he’s good indeed.
In other news, Sport.co.uk reports how CFR Cluj forward Lacina Traore is being monitored by Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, PSV Eindhoven, Turkish club Galatasaray, German Bundesliga club Hamburg and Arsenal. That the 20-year old – nicknamed the “new Adebayor” – is a target for the Gunners was confirmed by manager Andrea Mandorlini last May.
And finally, yesterday’s results. 2,001 votes as Joe Hart gets an amazing 1,118 positive votes from our readers. Anthony Annan, on the other hand, only gets 468.
From thegunninghawk.com
Fabregas is now Gunner stay
ARSENE WENGER is winning his battle to keep Cesc Fabregas.
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has admitted his ฃ29million summer move for the Gunners captain is close to collapse.
He said: "Arsenal don't want to listen to offers or sell and they are not putting the player on the market.
"And one thing that is certain is we will not go mad trying to sign him
"We will not go all out for him. No shareholder would pay 60 or 70million Euros for him. We would only pay his value in the transfer market.
"But Fabregas will arrive - even if it is not now - it will be next year."
Fabregas, 23, who is under contract with Arsenal until 2015, said: "The less said about Barcelona, the better. I believe fewer words right now is better.
"I have no specific date to return to Arsenal and at the moment I am only thinking about my holidays. I want to be calm and have a clear mind."
From thesun.co.uk
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has admitted his ฃ29million summer move for the Gunners captain is close to collapse.
He said: "Arsenal don't want to listen to offers or sell and they are not putting the player on the market.
"And one thing that is certain is we will not go mad trying to sign him
"We will not go all out for him. No shareholder would pay 60 or 70million Euros for him. We would only pay his value in the transfer market.
"But Fabregas will arrive - even if it is not now - it will be next year."
Fabregas, 23, who is under contract with Arsenal until 2015, said: "The less said about Barcelona, the better. I believe fewer words right now is better.
"I have no specific date to return to Arsenal and at the moment I am only thinking about my holidays. I want to be calm and have a clear mind."
From thesun.co.uk
Barnet v Arsenal – Match Preview
Arsenal play their first game of pre season tomorrow against one of our partner clubs, Barnet. Arsenal v Barnet has been the first game of pre season for many years now, and always marks off the start of the new season. It is a match where the score doesn’t matter and Wenger tries out new tactics hoping their isn’t an injury. Injuries are always the biggest fear in pre season, hardly a season goes by without their being an injury in pre season, and this year it won’t be any different because Denilson already picked up an injury. Anyways, here is the 22 man squad.
Goalkeepers: Almunia, Fabianski
Defenders: Djourou, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Nordtveit, Miquel, Gibbs, Traore
Midfielders: Barazite, Eastmond, Frimpong, Emmanuel-Thomas, Henderson, Lansbury, Rosicky, Wilshere, Nasri
Forwards: Arshavin, Eduardo, Chamakh, Walcott
Wenger would probably put in the big guns in the first half and sub them all off in the second for the reserves. It is good to see our upcoming talents getting a chance to play in front of many people so lets hope they do well.
Predicted Starting XI
Almunia
Lansbury Koscielny Vermaelen Traore
Rosicky Nasri Wilshere
Walcott Chamakh Arshavin
Predicted score- Arsenal 3-1 Barnet ( Chamakh, Arshavin, Barazite)
I’m expecting Arsenal to come out 3-1 winners in this match, with Chamakh, Arshavin, and Barazite scoring the goals. Barnet will get a goal in the second half while Fabianski is in-goal. Overall, Arsenal will have an easy game.
From thegoonermonkey.wordpress.com
Goalkeepers: Almunia, Fabianski
Defenders: Djourou, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Nordtveit, Miquel, Gibbs, Traore
Midfielders: Barazite, Eastmond, Frimpong, Emmanuel-Thomas, Henderson, Lansbury, Rosicky, Wilshere, Nasri
Forwards: Arshavin, Eduardo, Chamakh, Walcott
Wenger would probably put in the big guns in the first half and sub them all off in the second for the reserves. It is good to see our upcoming talents getting a chance to play in front of many people so lets hope they do well.
Predicted Starting XI
Almunia
Lansbury Koscielny Vermaelen Traore
Rosicky Nasri Wilshere
Walcott Chamakh Arshavin
Predicted score- Arsenal 3-1 Barnet ( Chamakh, Arshavin, Barazite)
I’m expecting Arsenal to come out 3-1 winners in this match, with Chamakh, Arshavin, and Barazite scoring the goals. Barnet will get a goal in the second half while Fabianski is in-goal. Overall, Arsenal will have an easy game.
From thegoonermonkey.wordpress.com
Friday, July 16, 2010
Barcelona´s bid for Fabregas stalls
MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona president Sandro Rosell said on Friday that the club's bid to sign Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal had stalled and they may have to wait until next year to recruit the midfielder.
"Arsenal feel very hurt by Barca. They don't want to listen to offers or sell and they are not putting the player on the market," he told Catalan television channel TV3.
But Rosell, who took over from Joan Laporta as Barcelona president on July 1, remained confident that Fabregas will return to the Spanish club one day.
"He will arrive, even if it is not now, it will be next year," he said.
"We will see. One thing that is certain is that we will not go mad trying to sign him. No shareholder would pay 60 or 70 million euros for him. We will not go all out for him. We would only pay his value on the transfer market."
In June, Arsenal rejected a 35-million-euro offer from the Spanish champions for Fabregas, who began his career in Barcelona's youth academy before joining the English side in 2003 at the age of 16.
The Arsenal captain's value is thought to have swelled after his good performances during the World Cup, which Spain won on Sunday with a 1-0 defeat of the Netherlands. He is under contract with Arsenal until June 2015.
Barcelona's vice-president for finance, Javier Faus, said on Thursday that the club have set aside 50 million euros to spend on new players after they secured a bank loan of 155 million euros to solve their cash-flow problems.
From soccerway.com
"Arsenal feel very hurt by Barca. They don't want to listen to offers or sell and they are not putting the player on the market," he told Catalan television channel TV3.
But Rosell, who took over from Joan Laporta as Barcelona president on July 1, remained confident that Fabregas will return to the Spanish club one day.
"He will arrive, even if it is not now, it will be next year," he said.
"We will see. One thing that is certain is that we will not go mad trying to sign him. No shareholder would pay 60 or 70 million euros for him. We will not go all out for him. We would only pay his value on the transfer market."
In June, Arsenal rejected a 35-million-euro offer from the Spanish champions for Fabregas, who began his career in Barcelona's youth academy before joining the English side in 2003 at the age of 16.
The Arsenal captain's value is thought to have swelled after his good performances during the World Cup, which Spain won on Sunday with a 1-0 defeat of the Netherlands. He is under contract with Arsenal until June 2015.
Barcelona's vice-president for finance, Javier Faus, said on Thursday that the club have set aside 50 million euros to spend on new players after they secured a bank loan of 155 million euros to solve their cash-flow problems.
From soccerway.com
Arsenal close in on Handanovic for 10m euros
It is being reported today in Slovenia that Arsenal are close to an agreement to sign Samir Handanovic. The international keeper, who had such a good game against England at the World Cup, is reportedly close to signing a three-year contract with the Gunners, and the transfer fee will be in the region of 10m euros.
The report on the Slovenian website siol.net , also says that they have “information” that Bayern Munich have dropped their interest in the shotstopper, but Juventus maintain a possiblity of bidding against Arsenal.
The 26 year-old is currently playing for Udinese in Serie A and has two years left on his contract , which is why the price is so high, but he is also the number one Slovenian keeper and has been since 2004, so is highly experienced at international level.
I really hope that this report is true, because I really don’t think Arsenal fans could take another season with either Fabianski or Almunia between the sticks….
From justarsenal.com
The report on the Slovenian website siol.net , also says that they have “information” that Bayern Munich have dropped their interest in the shotstopper, but Juventus maintain a possiblity of bidding against Arsenal.
The 26 year-old is currently playing for Udinese in Serie A and has two years left on his contract , which is why the price is so high, but he is also the number one Slovenian keeper and has been since 2004, so is highly experienced at international level.
I really hope that this report is true, because I really don’t think Arsenal fans could take another season with either Fabianski or Almunia between the sticks….
From justarsenal.com
Barcelona give up on Fabregas, and sign Adriano from Sevilla instead!
So it is finally confirmed that Cesc Fabregas will be staying at Arsenal next season, and the Catalan club have instead arranged to sign the Brazilian midfielder Adriano from Sevilla instead.
The new Barca president Sandro Rosell has finally understood that Arsenal will not let Fabregas leave cheaply (if at all) and have decided to go for the cheaper option of taking Adriano.
The 26 year-old is very versatile and can play in midfield or on the wing, and the prudent Rosell will be happy that he will cost only 10m euros, so he can stop worrying about breaking the bank for Fabregas. El Mundo Deportivo has announced that he will be unvieled as a Barcelona player in the next two days.
Rosell made the move after finally taking the hint from Wenger that the Arsenal captain was not for sale, but he defiantly said that he will get Fabregas next summer instead.
“Arsenal feels very hurt by Barça,” Rosell said. “They don’t want to listen to offers or sell and they are not putting Fàbregas on the market. There was a strong dispute a few months ago and they have not forgotten it.
“He will arrive, even if it is not now, it will be next year,”
“We will see. One thing that is certain is that we will not go mad trying to sign him. No shareholder would pay €60m or 70m for him.
“We will not go all out for him. We would only pay his value in the transfer market.”
Well that will teach him to try and take on Wenger………..
From justarsenal.com
The new Barca president Sandro Rosell has finally understood that Arsenal will not let Fabregas leave cheaply (if at all) and have decided to go for the cheaper option of taking Adriano.
The 26 year-old is very versatile and can play in midfield or on the wing, and the prudent Rosell will be happy that he will cost only 10m euros, so he can stop worrying about breaking the bank for Fabregas. El Mundo Deportivo has announced that he will be unvieled as a Barcelona player in the next two days.
Rosell made the move after finally taking the hint from Wenger that the Arsenal captain was not for sale, but he defiantly said that he will get Fabregas next summer instead.
“Arsenal feels very hurt by Barça,” Rosell said. “They don’t want to listen to offers or sell and they are not putting Fàbregas on the market. There was a strong dispute a few months ago and they have not forgotten it.
“He will arrive, even if it is not now, it will be next year,”
“We will see. One thing that is certain is that we will not go mad trying to sign him. No shareholder would pay €60m or 70m for him.
“We will not go all out for him. We would only pay his value in the transfer market.”
Well that will teach him to try and take on Wenger………..
From justarsenal.com
Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny in 22-man squad for Barnet friendly
Arsenal have announced the 22-man squad for Saturday’s 15:00 friendly match against Barnet which includes new signings Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny.
It will be Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly which will also feature Andrey Arshavin, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere, Eduardo and back-from-injury Johan Djourou. They will be joined by young prospects Nacer Barazite, Emmanuel Frimpong, Henri Lansbury and other youngsters looking to impress.
Also looking to send a strong signal ahead of next season will be goalkeepers Manual Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski, who were far from convincing last season and about to be replaced according to reports.
The Gunners will be back in action on Wednesday when they face SK Sturm Graz of Austria and again on July the 27th when they play SC Neusiedl 1919, who play in the Austrian Regional League East.
The going will get tougher for Arsene Wenger’s men towards the end of the month when they will be in action in this summer’s Emirates Cup which will feature A.C. Milan and Celtic, who the Gunners met last year in the Champions League qualifiers. By then, the Frenchman will have more players available such as Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie.
Manuel Almunia
Andrey Arshavin
Nacer Barazite
Marouane Chamakh
Johan Djourou
Craig Eastmond
Eduardo
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Lukasz Fabianski
Emmanuel Frimpong
Kieran Gibbs
Conor Henderson
Laurent Koscielny
Henri Lansbury
Ignasi Miquel
Samir Nasri
Havard Nordtveit
Tomas Rosicky
Armand Traore
Thomas Vermaelen
Theo Walcott
Jack Wilshere
From thegunninghawk.com
It will be Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly which will also feature Andrey Arshavin, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere, Eduardo and back-from-injury Johan Djourou. They will be joined by young prospects Nacer Barazite, Emmanuel Frimpong, Henri Lansbury and other youngsters looking to impress.
Also looking to send a strong signal ahead of next season will be goalkeepers Manual Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski, who were far from convincing last season and about to be replaced according to reports.
The Gunners will be back in action on Wednesday when they face SK Sturm Graz of Austria and again on July the 27th when they play SC Neusiedl 1919, who play in the Austrian Regional League East.
The going will get tougher for Arsene Wenger’s men towards the end of the month when they will be in action in this summer’s Emirates Cup which will feature A.C. Milan and Celtic, who the Gunners met last year in the Champions League qualifiers. By then, the Frenchman will have more players available such as Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie.
Manuel Almunia
Andrey Arshavin
Nacer Barazite
Marouane Chamakh
Johan Djourou
Craig Eastmond
Eduardo
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Lukasz Fabianski
Emmanuel Frimpong
Kieran Gibbs
Conor Henderson
Laurent Koscielny
Henri Lansbury
Ignasi Miquel
Samir Nasri
Havard Nordtveit
Tomas Rosicky
Armand Traore
Thomas Vermaelen
Theo Walcott
Jack Wilshere
From thegunninghawk.com
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wenger ready for Championship raid
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been linked with an £8million swoop for Ipswich's England youth international Connor Wickham.
Wickham starred for the England Under-17 side as they became European Under 17 champions in May and his performances are thought to have alerted Wenger.
However, north London rivals Spurs are also keen on the striker's signature and boss Harry Redknapp has already seen a bid of £5million knocked back by the Tractor Boys.
It is thought a bid of £8million may be enough to convince Ipswich to cash-in on the talented youngster, with some reports suggesting Spurs are ready to make an improved offer and allow Wickham to rejoin Ipswich on loan next season.
Wenger will face a battle to secure Wickham's signature but the Gunners boss is thought to be desperate to bring the English youngster to the Emirates and will not want to lose out to Tottenham.
From eatsleepsport.com
Wickham starred for the England Under-17 side as they became European Under 17 champions in May and his performances are thought to have alerted Wenger.
However, north London rivals Spurs are also keen on the striker's signature and boss Harry Redknapp has already seen a bid of £5million knocked back by the Tractor Boys.
It is thought a bid of £8million may be enough to convince Ipswich to cash-in on the talented youngster, with some reports suggesting Spurs are ready to make an improved offer and allow Wickham to rejoin Ipswich on loan next season.
Wenger will face a battle to secure Wickham's signature but the Gunners boss is thought to be desperate to bring the English youngster to the Emirates and will not want to lose out to Tottenham.
From eatsleepsport.com
Arsenal and Tottenham fighting over young England star
It is being reported today that both Arsenal and Tottenham have joined in a bidding war for the young Ipswich and England striker Connor Wickham.
The Mail reports that Spurs have increased their bid for Wickham from £5 to £8m as they try to fight off interest from the Gunners.
The talented 17 year-old was the star for the England team when they won the European Under 17 championship in May, scoring twice in the semi-final and once in the Final as England won the competition.
Ipswich are collapsing under their £50m debt and coach Roy Keane knows that he will have to cash in on the star youngster if he is to have any cash to invest in bringing players in this summer, so he is playing the two London clubs against each other.
Would Wenger go as high as £10m for a 17 year-old?
From justarsenal.com
The Mail reports that Spurs have increased their bid for Wickham from £5 to £8m as they try to fight off interest from the Gunners.
The talented 17 year-old was the star for the England team when they won the European Under 17 championship in May, scoring twice in the semi-final and once in the Final as England won the competition.
Ipswich are collapsing under their £50m debt and coach Roy Keane knows that he will have to cash in on the star youngster if he is to have any cash to invest in bringing players in this summer, so he is playing the two London clubs against each other.
Would Wenger go as high as £10m for a 17 year-old?
From justarsenal.com
Shock! Barcelona player admits Fabregas plays for Arsenal
As just about the whole Barcelona team has said at least once (if not three times!) that the Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas should be at the Camp Nou next season, it has come as a shock to me that ONE of them has admitted that Cesc plays for Arsenal, and there is “nothing to be done”.
The Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets is the first to even acknowledge that Fabregas has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners, and he told Sky Sports today: “Fabregas is a great player that would add a lot to the team,” he said.
“But we have to respect that he is owned by another club that is not Barcelona, that he is an Arsenal player and, for the time being, there’s nothing to be done.”
No other member of the Barca team or the management seem to have that respect, and even the great Lionel Messi had a few words to say on the subject.
“I would be delighted if Fabregas came,” he said yesterday. “We played together as kids and he knows the club.”
From justarsenal.com
The Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets is the first to even acknowledge that Fabregas has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners, and he told Sky Sports today: “Fabregas is a great player that would add a lot to the team,” he said.
“But we have to respect that he is owned by another club that is not Barcelona, that he is an Arsenal player and, for the time being, there’s nothing to be done.”
No other member of the Barca team or the management seem to have that respect, and even the great Lionel Messi had a few words to say on the subject.
“I would be delighted if Fabregas came,” he said yesterday. “We played together as kids and he knows the club.”
From justarsenal.com
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
MESSI JOINS CESC TO BARCA CHORUS
Barcelona star Lionel Messi has joined the chorus of voices calling for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas to rejoin his former club.
Fabregas was part of Spain's successful World Cup winning squad, but his time in South Africa was overshadowed by continuing speculation surrounding his club future.
The 23-year-old midfielder was the subject of one unsuccessful bid from the Catalan giants before the summer after reportedly telling Gunners boss Arsene Wenger of his desire to return to the Camp Nou following seven years in north London.
Wenger has vowed to fight hard to keep hold of his influential skipper, who was used mainly as a substitute by Spain during the World Cup.
But now Messi has added his weight to previous calls from the likes of Barca players Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol for Fabregas to join them this summer.
"I would be delighted if he came," said the Argentina forward. "We played together as kids and he knows the club."
From footymad.net
Fabregas was part of Spain's successful World Cup winning squad, but his time in South Africa was overshadowed by continuing speculation surrounding his club future.
The 23-year-old midfielder was the subject of one unsuccessful bid from the Catalan giants before the summer after reportedly telling Gunners boss Arsene Wenger of his desire to return to the Camp Nou following seven years in north London.
Wenger has vowed to fight hard to keep hold of his influential skipper, who was used mainly as a substitute by Spain during the World Cup.
But now Messi has added his weight to previous calls from the likes of Barca players Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol for Fabregas to join them this summer.
"I would be delighted if he came," said the Argentina forward. "We played together as kids and he knows the club."
From footymad.net
Henry unveiled by red bulls
Thierry Henry has completed his expected move to Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls.
The 32-year-old former Barcelona and Arsenal striker has agreed a 'multi-year' contract and could now make his debut against Tottenham in a pre-season friendly for the Premier League club on July 22.
Henry was released by Barcelona last month and had been heavily linked with a move to New York.
"It is without question that Thierry Henry is one of the most successful and recognisable players over the past 15 years," said the club's head of global soccer Dietmar Beiersdorfer.
"We are thrilled that Thierry has decided to come to New York to help the Red Bulls compete for championships this year and for years to come.
"His international pedigree is second to none and he is a proven winner."
Henry, who was a member of France's World Cup squad in South Africa, scored 49 goals during three seasons with Barca after arriving in Spain as Arsenal's 226-goal all-time leading scorer.
"This marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life," he said.
"It is an honour to play for the New York Red Bulls. I am fully aware of the team's history and my sole goal during my time here is to help win the club its first championship.
"Knowing Red Bull's significant commitment to soccer locally and internationally, I am confident that my teammates and I will succeed."
From footballfancast.com
Arsenal rumours July 14th – Asamoah, Frey, Schwarzer, Pienaar and Eduardo
There is not a lot of encouraging Arsenal transfer news around today, in fact most of it is quite negative. The goalkeeping situation doesn’t seem to be any closer to being resolved. After the rumours that Mark Schwarzer had finally passed a medical and was ready to sign any minute, this was swiftly followed by a denial from Fulham, and Schwarzer, that there were any negotiations even in place! Today it is being said that Fulham won’t accept less than £4m for the 37 year-old, but the good news (!) is that Sky reckon Schwarzer is keen on making the move.
After Schwarzer’s denial, the attention switched to Sebastian Frey of Fiorentina, but it seems that the arrival of Artur Boruc at the Serie A Club doesn’t mean his departure is imminent. A Fiorentina spokesman, Sandro Mencucci, said yesterday: “The arrival of Boruc doesn’t change anything,” he said. “Sebastien is not for sale and Fiorentina does not wish to see him leave.”
Frey’s agent, Carlo Pallavicino, added: “It’s a delicate situation, although I believe Fiorentina have not signed Boruc to replace Frey but to give the latter an added motivation. I believe Sebastien will remain in Florence. He has not asked to leave the club.” Oh well, back to the drawing board…..
Another promising rumour was the Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah, who has such a good World Cup, but yet again Udinese have announced that he is not available, and won’t be going anywhere this summer. Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo said that there was interested, but the talented youngster was not for sale. He said: “Asamoah will also stay. Many clubs are interested in him, but there aren’t any hypothetical situations whereby he will have a change of scenery.” Perhaps next year…..
Another player strongly linked with the Gunners this summer is the Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, but of course the let-down always arrives. David Moyes has said that he will not listen to any offers at all for the South African. “We are not listening to offers for him, and he is not going to be sold, because we don’t want to sell him,” Moyes said. “Steven plays for Everton, and that’s it really, and I don’t know any more than that.”
Although Arsenal have had a couple of arrivals, it also seems that they won’t be selling anyone either! The favourite to leave was the Croatian striker Eduardo Da Silva, especially after Maroune Chamakh’s arrival, and the projected free transfer of Joe Cole.
Besiktas and Aston Villa have both been linked with Eduardo, but this time the denial has come from the Arsenal side. It seems that Wenger has far from given up on the 27 year-old, and said last night: “Eduardo is an Arsenal player and I am expecting a lot from him this season,”
“He had a terrible injury – he went through hell – but I think his workrate is fantastic and his determination, which is exceptional, will be of great use to Arsenal.”
So thats about it really… all negatives today, except a small possibility of Schwarzer!
From justarsenal.com
After Schwarzer’s denial, the attention switched to Sebastian Frey of Fiorentina, but it seems that the arrival of Artur Boruc at the Serie A Club doesn’t mean his departure is imminent. A Fiorentina spokesman, Sandro Mencucci, said yesterday: “The arrival of Boruc doesn’t change anything,” he said. “Sebastien is not for sale and Fiorentina does not wish to see him leave.”
Frey’s agent, Carlo Pallavicino, added: “It’s a delicate situation, although I believe Fiorentina have not signed Boruc to replace Frey but to give the latter an added motivation. I believe Sebastien will remain in Florence. He has not asked to leave the club.” Oh well, back to the drawing board…..
Another promising rumour was the Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah, who has such a good World Cup, but yet again Udinese have announced that he is not available, and won’t be going anywhere this summer. Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo said that there was interested, but the talented youngster was not for sale. He said: “Asamoah will also stay. Many clubs are interested in him, but there aren’t any hypothetical situations whereby he will have a change of scenery.” Perhaps next year…..
Another player strongly linked with the Gunners this summer is the Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, but of course the let-down always arrives. David Moyes has said that he will not listen to any offers at all for the South African. “We are not listening to offers for him, and he is not going to be sold, because we don’t want to sell him,” Moyes said. “Steven plays for Everton, and that’s it really, and I don’t know any more than that.”
Although Arsenal have had a couple of arrivals, it also seems that they won’t be selling anyone either! The favourite to leave was the Croatian striker Eduardo Da Silva, especially after Maroune Chamakh’s arrival, and the projected free transfer of Joe Cole.
Besiktas and Aston Villa have both been linked with Eduardo, but this time the denial has come from the Arsenal side. It seems that Wenger has far from given up on the 27 year-old, and said last night: “Eduardo is an Arsenal player and I am expecting a lot from him this season,”
“He had a terrible injury – he went through hell – but I think his workrate is fantastic and his determination, which is exceptional, will be of great use to Arsenal.”
So thats about it really… all negatives today, except a small possibility of Schwarzer!
From justarsenal.com
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Arsenal abutting to a complete goalkeeper agitate up
Speculation is starting to abound that Arsenal are actual abutting to signing Fulhams Mark Schwarzer and that Manuel Almunia is set to leave The Emirates with a move aback to Spain. Arsene Wenger has been affiliated with a amount of keepers and besides Man City’s Joe Hart the babysitter that seems to consistently crop up is Schwarzer and according to assorted websites and the British columnist Wenger is actual abutting to in actuality authoritative a bid for the Australian.
It aswell makes absolute faculty that Almunia wants out as well, his aplomb have to be at an all time low, he cannot be allowed to all the criticism and he have to absolutely realise that Wenger is searching to alter him and now that the World Cup is over and Wenger abiding to the UK it is accepted that a accord will be completed eventually rather than later.
It would not go down able-bodied with the Arsenal affectionate if Wenger does not acquisition a backup for Almunia, he has absent the aplomb of the defenders in foreground of him and the Arsenal admirers are not apathetic in absolution their animosity be accepted and if Almunia does abide at The Emirates it is harder to see him not subjected to some anatomy of acknowledgment from the stands.
For his allotment Schwarzer would absolutely jump at the adventitious of arena Champions League football and demography the acreage with one of the Premiership top four clubs, seems that it is basically all down to Wenger now.
Arsenal admirers have to be acquisitive that Wenger does the appropriate affair and sorts out the babysitter affair already and for all.From footylatest.com
Van Persie blames Howard Webb for Holland’s defeat
Everybody in the world is in agreement that Spain fully deserved to beat Holland in last nights World Cup Final, but Robin Van Persie, along with a few other Dutch players, think that Howard Webb was instrumental in the Spain win, especially in the events leading up to Spain’s winning goal.
Van Persie was especially scathing about the English referee’s performance. “What was this man doing?” he said. “He made three big errors in extra time of a final! Believe me, this really hurts.
“Even after Heitinga’s red card I still felt we could be world champions. With penalty kicks we’d at least have had a 50% chance.”
“Iniesta should not have been on the pitch because he kicked Van Bommel. He also should have shown Puyol a second yellow card for trying to knock down Robben. The referee has been decisive.”
Wesley Sneijder was even more critical of Webb. “He has robbed us!” he ranted.
“This really is a disgrace to football. It really shouldn’t have happened. First I shot a free kick that hit the wall and then the Spanish keeper touched it before going behind. What does the referee do? The whistle was not for a corner.
“In the following attack, Iniesta is at first offside. Webb doesn’t whistle and then Iniesta gets the ball and scores,”
They can say what they like. I don’t think they will find anyone outside of Holland that are likely to agree with them!
From justarsenal.com
Fabregas: I am an Arsenal player
Captain Cesc Fabregas has moved to reassure Arsenal fans after his World Cup triumph with Spain by saying that he was proud to be at the club, and dedicated his win to Gooners worldwide.
The 22-year-old has been the subject of a transfer bid from Spanish club Barcelona, but Arsenal have always maintained that our captain is not for sale, at any price.
Manager Arsène Wenger also recently turned down an offer from new Barcelona president Sandro Rosell.
Fabregas said: "All I can say is that this World Cup victory is for all the Arsenal players and fans. They are a world-class club.
"I had a text message of congratulations from Arsène Wenger. He said I deserve it. I just think this is for everyone at Arsenal who helped me get to where I am now. I am an Arsenal player and proud to be.
"It was a difficult tournament for me because I didn't play a lot but something inside me kept saying I would get my chance.
"My family came to support me at the final because they believed it too and thankfully, it went brilliantly.
"We have been playing good football since Euro 2008 and felt it was our moment to do it in the World Cup.
"It was a bit like the French side when they did the double (in 1998 and 2000). We wanted to be the same - we have a special team and special squad and we had to take our chance.
"We have great players coming through. Spanish football is growing and we have to be proud of it."
During Spain's World Cup celebrations in Madrid, Barcelona players Carlos Puyol and Garard Pique together with Liverpool player Pepe Reina pulled a Barcelona kit over an unsuspecting Fabregas.
From arsenal-mania.com
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