vieira arsenal transfer a possibility says wenger VIDEO

Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out a move for former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira.

The lack of experience in Wenger's squad has become a talking point in recent times, particularly since the departures of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City.

Vieira left the club four years ago, joining Juventus and later Inter Milan, but he has been linked with a move back to the Premier League after an injury-plagued 2008/9 campaign.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his interest in the Frenchman but Wenger believes he would only want to play for one team if he returned to England.

A pay-as-you-pay deal has been mooted and Wenger has now admitted that he will have to seriously consider the matter.

"There is a football decision and there is a psychological impact on a player of that stature that could come in," said the Gunners boss.

"But at the moment we need to look at the level of experience in your squad to make this kind of decision.

"We are nowhere near to making a decision like that, but it is a possibility.

"We do not rule it out and we do not say we will do it - and that is my decision at the moment."








Wenger remains in regular contact with Vieira and is aware that he experienced a difficult season with Inter.

"I speak to Patrick, I speak to many players who have been here because I keep good connections with them," he explained.

"He has gone through a difficult period as well in the last season. I am aware that he wants to come here.

"I think Patrick is a legend here and he would always like to come back to this club. That would be his first choice.

"With emotion you always like the club you spent time (with).

"But as a professional as well, you always give 100 per cent for whichever club you sign for."

However, Wenger insisted: "Our focus should not be who can help us from outside, but who can help us from inside.

"We need a strong start and it is important that we do not dream too much and win our games in pre-season."

Source: Skysports

Patrick Vieira Arsenal return as matuidi mentor?


Arsene Wenger is poised to break into the £40million he has received from Manchester City by tying up a deal for long-term target Blaise Matuidi.

And it looks increasingly likely the youngster will be mentored by Patrick Vieira, who could be on his way back to Arsenal.

Fans concerned by the lack of transfer activity will be cheered by the news that Wenger is ready to splash cash from the sales of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to City on St Etienne's £5m-rated defensive midfielder Matuidi, a France Under-21 international.

But the fact that Wenger is considering bringing back ex-skipper Vieira in a sensational move will really capture their imagination.

Matuidi, 22, fits the profile of a typical Wenger signing and the same is true of his only summer capture thus far, defender Thomas Vermaelen, 23, who joined in a £10m deal from Ajax.

St Etienne sporting director and former Arsenal scout, Damien Comolli, conceded recently that an offer from a 'top-10 European club' would be difficult to turn down.

The lack of a natural leader has encouraged the Arsenal manager to explore the possibility of signing his former skipper from Inter Milan on a free transfer.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Special bond: Wenger and Vieira remain close

Wenger and Vieira have remained close since he was sold to Juventus for £13.7m in 2005 and the midfielder has been a regular visitor to the Emirates. Contact between the pair has intensified over the past fortnight, which may explain why a potential move to Arsenal rivals Tottenham looks to have hit the buffers.







Vieira is desperate to bow out on a high with France in next summer's World Cup and would be ready to accept a one-year deal on a pay-as-you-play basis. He accepts he would not play every week but the chance to show he still has what it takes does appeal.

A move for the 33-year-old would be a calculated risk after a catalogue of injuries restricted him to 10 Serie A starts last season, but he has looked in good shape in the pre-season campaign. Wenger also remains on the trail of a striker to replace Adebayor, with Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh and Andre- Pierre Gignac of Toulouse two of the most likely candidates.

Insisting his squad needs only minor adjustments, Wenger said: 'If we need to add then we will. We have money available, so for us it is now important to spend it in the right way.'

Marksman Andrey Arshavin firmly believes that his manager must buy a new centre half. The Russian said: 'After the departure of Kolo Toure, our main focus in the transfer market will most likely be on a defender rather than a forward.'
Arshavin is impressed with new boy Vermaelen but believes it is asking a lot for the centre half to step into Toure's shoes.

'He's really quite good,' said Arshavin of the Belgium star. 'But it's difficult for him to immediately replace one of the pillars of our defence.'

Arsenal play in the Emirates Cup this weekend and Arshavin is looking forward to facing competitive opposition from Rangers and Atletico Madrid in the build-up to a new season in which he sees Manchester City as a big threat.

'City have clearly strengthened their squad,' he said. 'I won't say they will claim the title, but they're in good shape to dilute the Big Four. The main task of the first part of the season is to get into the Champions League.'

Source: Dalily Mail

KOLO to City...

Kolo Toure moved from Arsenal to Manchester City for a price of around 15 million pounds

Kolo was one of the last player from the 'Invincibles' team which Arsenal had in 03-04 season who has moved to the Eastlands an d will shortly jooin his former Arsenal teammate Manu Adebayor.


His sale though would please the other defenders in the arsena squad but it will hurt Arsenal a lot as he was one of the toughtest defenders in the premier league and a strong one too.


Toure after clearing the medical was quoted saying that "I have got all wat i dreamt from the eight years i have spent in Arsenal". he was also said,"I m still 28, and i m enjoying my football so it was the right timr to move for some new challenge." he added that " my best was yet to some and i hope i give my best in Man City and help them fullfil their dreams and my dream too of a CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MEDAL.


Now after getting 40 million pounds from the sale of Adebayor and Toure Arsenal must buy players to strenghten their squad with world-class quality players rather than buying youths an developing them.




KOLO to City...

Kolo Toure moved from Arsenal to Manchester City for a price of around 15 million pounds

Kolo was one of the last player from the 'Invincibles' team which Arsenal had in 03-04 season who has moved to the Eastlands an d will shortly jooin his former Arsenal teammate Manu Adebayor.


His sale though would please the other defenders in the arsena squad but it will hurt Arsenal a lot as he was one of the toughtest defenders in the premier league and a strong one too.


Toure after clearing the medical was quoted saying that "I have got all wat i dreamt from the eight years i have spent in Arsenal". he was also said,"I m still 28, and i m enjoying my football so it was the right timr to move for some new challenge." he added that " my best was yet to some and i hope i give my best in Man City and help them fullfil their dreams and my dream too of a CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MEDAL.


Now after getting 40 million pounds from the sale of Adebayor and Toure Arsenal must buy players to strenghten their squad with world-class quality players rather than buying youths an developing them.




Arsenal 1 vs 0 Hannover



Cesc Fabregas stuck early to round off the Gunners mini-Euro tour with another win.
The skipper's ninth minute goal was enough to see off the challenge of Hanover 96 despite this proving the toughest test for Arsene Wenger's young side so far.

The confirmation of Kolo Toure's departure to Man City, didn't throw Arsenal off their stride and they played their usual brand of neat, attractive football.





Robin van Persie was the provider for Fabregas, who latched on to his reverse pass to sidestep the goalkeeper Robert Enke and tuck away a finish.

Andrey Arshavin could have doubled the advantage but was thwarted by Enke, and Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner also came close as the visitors controlled proceedings throughout.

Wenger was literally given an armchair chair ride - from a real armchair pitch side - to watch the action from in Hanover's impressive AMD Arena.

Arsenal's are now looking to regain the Emirates Cup this weekend.

Source: The sun

Kolo Toure completes transfer



Kolo Toure has signed a four-year deal with Manchester City after sealing his £15million switch from Arsenal.

The 28-year-old is believed to have agreed a £120,000-a-week deal deal after Arsene Wenger confirmed Sportsmail's exclusive story that the Ivorian is the latest big name player to leave the club this summer joining Emmanuel Adebayor.
Toure played for Arsenal on Monday night in a pre-season friendly in Hungary. The move would take City boss Mark Hughes' spending close to the £100m mark.

But the spree will not stop there, with Everton defender Joleon Lescott and West Ham's Matthew Upson also in their sights, while reports in France link them to Roma's Philippe Mexes.

Arsenal by contrast have made just one signing, central defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax, and have also sold Emmanuel Adebayor to City for £25m.

Wenger hinted that he will make more signings before the transfer window closes.

'I am more focused on getting everybody fit for the start of the season but we are looking at opportunities as well,' he said.

'There are still some pre-season games to see what we really need. When the time comes we will do something.'

Toure becomes the latest big name to sign for City after Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry.

They will now look to challenge Arsenal for a place in the Barclays Premier League's top four.

Source: Daily mail

Arsenal Toure transfer


Manchester City are close to signing Arsenal defender Kolo Toure for about £15m, BBC Sport understands.

City boss Mark Hughes, who failed to lure Chelsea centre-back John Terry to Eastlands last week, has long admired the Ivory Coast international.

Toure was first linked to a move to City in January but the Gunners insisted then that he was not for sale.

The 28-year-old has been with Arsenal since 2002 but failed to hold down a regular starting place last season.

Newspaper reports that Toure has agreed personal terms with City are premature but the deal is expected to be completed by the end of this week.

Toure played for Arsenal on Monday night in a pre-season friendly in Hungary, but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: "We will see what's happening in the next 24 hours, nothing is decided yet.

"We have seven centre-backs and I am in the position where I have to play some in midfield but of course Kolo is a very good player and we will see what will happen in the next 24 hours."

Toure has played 326 games for the Gunners, scoring 14 goals, and has two years left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.

He handed in a transfer request in January, which was rejected by the Arsenal board.

As well as missing out on Terry, Hughes had a £15m bid for Everton defender Joleon Lescott rejected earlier this month.

But the Gunners, who have already sold striker Emmanuel Adebayor to City for £25m this summer, have been more receptive to offers from the oil-rich Eastlands club.

On top of capturing Adebayor, City have already brought in former Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez, midfielder Gareth Barry from Aston Villa and striker Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn for a total of about £55m this summer.

Source: BBC

"Arsenal can win premiership" - Thierry henry


Arsenal idol Thierry Henry insists the Gunners can still win the Premier League next season - despite another Emirates exodus.

But the most prolific striker in the club's history admits he is talking with his heart rather than his head when he urges disgruntled supporters to keep the faith.

It is two years since the man voted the greatest Arsenal player of all time left the club for Barcelona.

But the pain he feels at their failure to win a trophy since 2005 remains as intense as ever.

Now Henry is praying manager Arsene Wenger can end that long wait despite battling just to hang on to his top stars.

Arsenal have already lost striker Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City for £25million and defender Kolo Toure is set to follow him to Eastlands any day now.

But Henry insisted: "I know the way Arsene Wenger thinks and he will not go into the new season with ambitions to finish in the top four again.

"His only target will be to win the Premier League.

"And despite all that has happened at Arsenal this year, I still believe they have enough quality to do that. It is difficult for me to talk about Arsenal. Whenever I do, it is always with my heart, not my head.

"They are going to miss Adebayor for sure. He is a good player and he scored some important goals for the team.

"So it is going to be a difficult task for Arsenal this time and it is vital that everyone keeps the faith.

"The reason I say that is because the boss still has great faith in his players and if there is one man who Arsenal can trust to do the right thing, it's Arsene Wenger.

"He is the man who has put Arsenal on to the European map. Nobody else could have achieved what he has done there.

"The fans should remember that and give him more credit. Some people gave him a hard time last season and he didn't deserve that.

"I know how those supporters feel. Like them, I am Arsenal through and through and we all suffer when the team doesn't win anything.

"Everyone wants immediate success and after four seasons without a trophy, Arsenal supporters have become impatient.

"All I can say to them right now is to have faith in Arsene and know that the first trophy in five years will be more enjoyable than ever."

Henry, 31, scored a club-record 226 goals in 370 games for Arsenal, winning the Premier League twice and FA Cup three times.

He was voted Footballer of the Year three times and the PFA's Player of the Year twice as well as finishing top scorer in the Premier League in four of his eight seasons at Arsenal.

But things have gone steadily downhill for Arsenal since Henry left for Barcelona in a £16m deal in 2007.

There has been an alarming trickle of top talent moving away from The Emirates since then.

Henry said: "It is more difficult to achieve success without money, but it's not impossible with the right attitude.

"Just look at Barcelona. We won the treble this year and proved you can succeed by developing your own players and blending them with one or two expensive signings.

"Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, Puyol, Pique and Valdes all came through the system at Barcelona.

"Arsenal are trying to do the same thing and are very close to achieving their ambitions.

"Yes, they are still a very young team. But they are not inexperienced.

"They have been playing together for quite a while and are capable of anything.

"They played Manchester United off the park in the Premier League at The Emirates last season but it all went wrong when they met again in the Champions League.

"But at least they have shown what they can do. With the players they already have at the club, I can still see them winning the league."

Yet Henry admitted it will be tougher than ever now Manchester City have burst on to the scene in an unprecedented transfer blitz funded by their billionaire Arab owners.

Henry added: "Manchester City fans are buzzing right now and why not? Surely they are allowed to be happy.

"It is their turn and nobody can be bitter about that or resent them for their good fortune.

"Let's just see what they can do."

Henry's biggest concern, though, is recovering from the knee injury which hampered him during last season's Champions League final and help Barca blunt the challenge of Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Real Madrid.

Henry confessed: "I pushed myself so hard to play in the Champ-ions League final.

"The doctors told me I should rest for two months after the initial injury but I was back after two weeks.

"I was virtually playing on one leg against Manchester United in the final but was so desperate just to be a part of the team.

"Now I am being a bit more cautious. I'm working hard in training and will go with the team on the tour of the United States, but I am not kicking a ball yet.

"Hopefully I will be OK for the start of the season but the most important thing is to make sure the knee is fully recovered."

Source: The sun

Arsenal vs Szombathelyi FULL TIME result


Arsene Wenger unsurprisingly made a number of changes to the first half lineup introducing Van Persie, Arshavin and Vermaelen the most notable of the substitutions.

The second half play was much more dynamic for Arsenal with a number of good build up plays and eloquent passing but the gunners failed to increase their lead until Bendtner was tripped in the box by the oncoming keeper which allowed Van persie to rocket an unstoppable penalty in the roof of the net. All in all Arsene Wenger should be pretty happy with this result especially with the strikers all getting on the scoresheet today but most notably of all Eduardo's two goals will give him a huge boost.

Arsenal vs Szombathelyi - HALF TIME score update



The Gunners started their third pre season game against hungarian side szombathelyi this evening with a strong squad, including a start for returning striker Eduardo the most notable of the Arsenal appearances.

The Arsenal team that started was as follows:

Starting 11:

Vito Mannoe
Emmanuel Eboue
Armand Traore
Kolo Toure
Johan Djourou
Denilson
Aaron Ramsey
Alex Song
Jack Wilshere
Eduardo
Nicklas Bendtner

Subs:

Wojciech Szczesny
Bacary Sagna
Mikael Silvestre
Thomas Vermaelen
William Gallas
Philippe Senderos
Robin Van Persie
Andrey Arshavin


The gunners didn't start the game too well, having to withstand a number of good Szombathelyi attacks and almost scoring thanks to a vito mannone mistake. The building Arsenal pressure was becoming too much for the hungarians to handle and the deadlock was broken on 18 minutes when Armand Traore made himself enough space on the left wing to deliver a perfect cross for Bendtner to head into the far post of the szombathelyi net. The pain was to continue for the home side when the Arsenal midfield intercepted a counter attack allowing Niklas Bendtner to find Eduardo at the edge of the box who rifled a well placed shot to the far post of the oncoming keeper to make it 2-0.

More goals were still come before the break as first Eduardo converted his first free kick effort of the game to the bottom left corner of the goal and Bendtner added a second to his tally only three minutes later when he rounded Rozsa Daniel for Arsenal's fourth, bring on the second half!

Huntelaar, Gignac or Vucinic - VIDEO

Arsenal have recently been linked with these three strikers with varying sources claiming that we have already made bids for two of them. Enjoy some of their best bits and decide for yourself who you would like to see at arsenal.


Andre Pierre Gignac


Klaas Jan Huntelaar


Mirko Vucinic

Arsenal planning Kalou transfer?


Arsenal are planning a £7million swoop for Salomon Kalou.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sees the 23-year-old young African Player of the Year as the ideal replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor, following his £25million move to Manchester City.

Adebayor's sale leaves Arsenal light up front, especially as injury-hit Croatian striker Eduardo is still sidelined and Samir Nasri is also out for six weeks with a broken leg.

New Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti wants Kalou to stay at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea have yet to offer the Ivory Coast front man a new contract. His current deal of around £45,000-a-week runs out next summer and Arsenal would be prepared to up his wages to nearer £70,000-a-week to make him one of the top earners at the Emirates.

A Blues insider declared: "Salomon is flattered by Arsenal's interest, but at the moment he is fully committed to Chelsea."

Kalou, who joined Chelsea in an £8m transfer from Feyenoord in 2006, actually had a two-week trial at Arsenal before joining the Dutch club and Wenger has monitored his career ever since.

Kalou scored 10 goals for Chelsea last season but made just 17 Premier League starts and was behind Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in the pecking order. But he is desperate for regular first team action and Arsenal could offer him that.

He is friends with Arsenal's fellow Ivory Coast internationals Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue and shares the same agent as Gunners' Dutch striker Robin Van Persie.

What do you think? Leave your comments below

Wenger's only signing this summer has been little-known Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax.

The Gunners boss missed out on £15m Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo when Juventus snatched him from Fiorentina, while Wenger's bid for Bordeaux's £6million-rated Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh has stalled.

Chamakh has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs, including the Gunners, London rivals Spurs, Sunderland, Blackburn and Fulham. But the Moroccan admitted: "I don't really believe a move to Arsenal is possible any more. Bordeaux are trying to convince me to stay."

Source: NOTW

Bruce beats Arsenal to Lorik Cana transfer


Steve bruce last night beat Arsenal to the signing of Marseille skipper Lorik Cana.

The Albania international midfielder, 25, completed a £6m move after holding talks with Black Cats boss Steve Bruce at their Amsterdam training camp yesterday.


Bruce said: “He is captain of Marseille and captain of his country. He’s right up our street.”


But on the way out of the Stadium of Light was former captain Dean Whitehead, who completed his £3m move to Stoke yesterday.


Meanwhile, Mackems full-back Danny Collins has become the butt of dressing-room jokes after he was KO’d by a MANNEQUIN.


Wales international Collins became the latest addition to football’s collection of crazy injuries after he was forced out of training and left nursing a sore knee after colliding with the metal figure.


Fortunately, there was more damage to the 28-year-old’s pride than his knee as he came off worst when losing his bearings and clattering into the static ‘defender’ as he attempted to clear a cross.


However, Sunderland lost their opening match of the Amsterdam Tournament last night when they went down 2-0 to Benfica.

Source: Dailystar

Eboue transfer to Fiorentina?


Italian side Fiorentina are chasing Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue.

Reports in Italy suggest a deal is close to being done but the 26-year-old's agent Pascal Boisseau says the player is still weighing up his options.

;We will talk to Arsenal over the next few days, he is settled in London, but we'll have to see,' he said.

'It's not just Fiorentina after him, but there are also Spanish teams. There are no other news at the moment, we will know more in the coming days.'

Source: Metro

Thierry Henry says Cesc Fabregas must stay


Thierry Henry has told Arsenal they must do everything in their power to hold on to Cesc Fabregas.

The Spanish midfielder has been linked with a £40million move away from the Emirates, with European giants Barcelona, Real Madrid and AC Milan all keen on signing him.

And with the Gunners having failed to land a trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 2005, speculation has mounted that Fabregas, 22, could be tempted away from the club.

Last month, Fabregas criticised the Gunners over their lack of silverware, calling the club 'impotent'.

But former Arsenal ace Henry — now at Barcelona himself — has warned Arsene boss Arsene Wenger he cannot afford to lose his skipper.

Henry said: "It is vital Arsenal keep Cesc. Vital.

"He is the Arsenal captain and he is young and I'm sure he wants to give something back to the club. Knowing him, he will.

"But it is vital they keep Cesc."

Henry, 31, insists if the Gunners can keep Fabregas at the club, they have a squad capable of challenging for honours next season — despite being unable to compete with the Premier League's big spenders in the transfer market.

He added: "When I talk about Arsenal, my heart will always rule my head. It is not easy to lose [Emmanuel] Adebayor and what happened to [Samir] Nasri was not what Arsene would have been hoping for.

"But I hope they can win the league and win everything they can, that's always my feeling about my old club.

"What I know about Arsenal from my time there was not about finishing in the top four — it was about winning the league.

"That's how I saw it when I was there and I still see it like that, they are a big club. Arsene has proved so many times he can win things without spending a lot of money and hopefully they can do it again.

"The only thing that matters to me is not who is in the top four, it's who is going to be top and I know that's how Arsene sees it too."

Henry also moved to dismiss rumours he could one day return to the Premier League, with megabucks Manchester City said to be keen on signing him.

Asked if he would ever return to England, the Frenchman added: "No. You guys were talking a lot about that for me!

"Seriously, I had a difficult first season here but when we won the Treble we had a very special bond on the pitch.

"I wasn't happy enough with what I did in my first season at Barcelona and I wasn't happy with some of the games I played in last season when we won the Treble. It's just the way I am.

"There's a lot of pressure at Barcelona and it's not always easy, but trust me, it is enjoyable."

Source: The sun

No Eduardo injury



Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has eased concerns over Eduardo's fitness, revealing he is set to play in Monday's friendly at Szombathelyi Haladas.

Eduardo is yet to figure in pre-season, but the Croatia striker is in line to make his bow against the Hungarians.

"Eduardo should play on Monday," Wenger said after Arsenal's 7-1 pre-season friendly success over SC Columbia.

The Croatia international returned to action earlier this year after dislocating his left ankle in a Premier League game with Birmingham in February last year and has since undergone "simple revision surgery".

Source: Foxsports

Ashley Cole insults Arsenal




Ashley Cole has backed big spenders Manchester City to break into the Premier League's top four.

And the Chelsea left-back even joked that it could be his old club Arsenal who suffer as a result.

The former Gunner won the title twice under Arsene Wenger and is determined to bag his first Premier League with the Blues next season.

Cole, 28, insisted the league is his personal priority - but reckons that City can be serious contenders.

He said: "I think the players City are buying are good. Obviously they have got Gareth Barry, who I know from England and he's a good player.

"They have got Stephen Ireland, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Manu Adebayor and Carlos Tevez. They are all good players.

"This year might be tough to break in but next year, you never know with the guys they are buying.

"I think it's going to be hard for them but they could do. You never know, they may gel, click, straight away and it's magic.

"I hope they do. I have friends there and I hope they do really well - and that they finish above Arsenal."

Cole laughed as he said the name of his old club, where he gets bucket loads of abuse for moving to west London.

He has been in sparkling form during his team's pre-season tour of the States.

An impressive Chelsea dominated former boss Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan in Pasadena, California, late on Tuesday night. Didier Drogba's 20-yard curler in the 11th minute and a Frank Lampard penalty just after half-time gave Chelsea the victory over the Italian champions in front of 81,224 fans.

And Cole is now determined to take that form into the campaign. He added: "Of course it would be nice to go to another Champions League final and win it one day, but for me the Premier League is the best trophy.

"Maybe because I'm English and I've won it twice at Arsenal. It's the best league to play in and that feeling you have when you win it and how the fans are, it's a great achievement.

"Sometimes in the Champions League I don't think the best team always wins it. It depends how you play on the day.

"In the league you have to play well week-in, week-out. Manchester United were worthy champions last year."

Cole's words will be music to the ears of new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has won only one league title in his career so far - five years ago with AC Milan.

And after beating old foe Mourinho, Ancelotti was in confident mood about what lies ahead.

He said: "I think I can win the Premier League - I'm here for this!

"But not only victory is important, I want to put entertainment into the team. Our style is very important."

Source: The sun

Good news for Samir Nasri injury


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident France midfielder Samir Nasri will be out for just six weeks after breaking his leg.

Nasri, 22, suffered the injury on the first day of Arsenal's pre-season training camp in Austria on Tuesday and it was expected he would be sidelined for up to three months.

But Wenger revealed the fracture is a simple one and Nasri could return to training by the start of September.

He told Arsenal TV Online: "Unfortunately, he fractured his fibula and he will be out for six weeks.

"He accidentally nicked the ball away from somebody having a shot on goal. Unfortunately he got kicked and broke his fibula. It's not a complicated one, it's a simple one but it will take six weeks to heal."

Wenger believes Czech Republic winger Tomas Rosicky, back after 18 months out injured, will be the perfect replacement for Nasri, while Croatia forward Eduardo da Silva will also back in action by September.

"The options are Tomas Rosicky, who is back and in two months Eduardo will be back as well," Wenger said.

"We do have offensive options but we don't want to lose important players before the season starts."

Source: Yahoo

Senderos Arsenal transfer


Philippe Senderos appears to have played his last game for Arsenal after Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed that the Switzerland international would be allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at AC Milan but failed to impress at the San Siro, starting only 12 matches for the Rossoneri.

Wenger said: "He has offers and it is open. He has come back here with us still looking for solutions but he is still yet to decide on his future."

Meanwhile, the Arsenal boss has once again hinted that he will not be making many new signings this summer, adding: "The message is to trust the players that we have.

"This is a very big season for us but I believe that we are in a very strong position.

"Big clubs have lost big players before. For example Milan lost Kaka and yet Milan will go on. Arsenal have lost big players in the past and still continued at the top level.

"There are positive messages as well from the summer. Remember players like (Robin) van Persie and (Cesc) Fabregas have stayed. So I feel we have a big enough squad to deal with the targets that we have."

Source: sport.co.uk

Arsenal vs SC Columbia FULL TIME RESULT




Just like the game at Barnet Arsene Wenger had made wholesale changes at half time. The second half lineup looked as follows:

Szczesny
Eboue
Traore
Gallas
Sagna
Toure
Denilson
Song
Senderos
Arshavin
Van Persie

Arsenal wasted less than ten minutes to inflict the first bit of punishment for the Columbians in the second half. Armand Traore's pacy run and subsequent cross was clearly handled by Potaltnik who gave the referee no choice to point to the spot. The rest was academic as Van Persie rifled the ball in the bottom right corner of the goal to put Arsenal 4-1. There was a rare incident in the second half which saw Wilshere and Ramsey come back on the pitch for Arshavin and Eboue. Shortly afterwards second half substitute Bakary Sagna whipped in an inch-perfect cross from the right and the Dutchman Van persie powers his header past the keeper from five yards. Van persie was involved once again as his free kick is nodded back into the mixer by Senderos and Gallas diverts the ball home from six yards. Arsenal wrapped up the rout on the 83rd minute when Ramsey grabbed his second of the game. Denilson's half-cleared corner was brought down by the Welshman and he thrashed in off the far post from 12 yards.
Full time Arsenal 7-1 SC Columbia

Arsenal vs SC Columbia HALF TIME UPDATE




Arsenal started their second pre season game of this seasons campaign facing SC Columbia today. The opening lineup was as follows:

Manuel Almunia

Emmanuel Eboue

Mikael Silvestre

Thomas Vermaelen

Johan Djourou

Jack Wilshere

Denilson

Abou Diaby

Aaron Ramsey

Andrey Arshavin

Nicklas Bendtner

Subs:

Vito Mannone

Kolo Toure

William Gallas

Bacary Sagna

Philippe Senderos

Alex Song

Armand Traore

Robin Van Persie

Wojciech Szczesny

Arsenal started the game very brightly and had many chances early on in the match to get an early goal. Andrey Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner had been among most of the attacking play in the first half with both spurning chances themselves from a lack of SC Columbia defending.

Despite Arsenal's sustained pressure it was Columbia to who took the lead from a moment of bad decision making from Almunia. As Thomas Vermaelen passed back to the Arsenal keeper he took a bad touch on the ball which gave an opening for the oncoming Dominique Lehner who ricochet the ball in the back of the net. Sc Columbia's lead was short lived though (45 sec to be exact) when Abou Diaby robbed Mario Handl on the byline and squared to Bendtner who couldn't miss from two yards out.

Arsenal seemed to be completely revived by the equaliser and from then on continued to punish the columbians with Aaron Ramsey curling a shot from 20 yards out beating Goalkeeper Taschwer. Bendtner and Ramsey continued their great link play and 5 minutes later Bendtner beat the goalkeeper one on one from Ramsey's great pass.

Nasri breaks leg




Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has suffered a broken leg during the club's pre-season training camp in Austria.

The France international is facing between two and three months on the sidelines after fracturing his right fibula on Tuesday morning.

Nasri will miss the opening weeks of the Premier League season and will be hoping to return to action at some stage in October.

The 22-year-old suffered the injury during a training match at Arsenal's summer camp in Bad Waltersdorf and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital.

A statement on the club's official website confirmed: "Samir Nasri has sustained a fractured fibula during this morning's training session at the club's pre-season training camp in Austria.

"The midfielder will be out of action for two to three months."

The news will come as a major setback to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger as he looks to end the club's four-year trophy drought.

On top of missing several weeks of club action, Nasri has been ruled out of France's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Faroe Islands, Romania and Serbia.

Source: Skysports.com

Rosicky wants to repay Wenger and arsenal


Tomas Rosicky has vowed to repay Arsenal for standing by him during his 18-month injury hell.

The Czech midfielder, 28, is back from knee and hamstring problems.

And he said: "I want to give the club back a substantial amount of what they have invested in me in the past.

"I haven't lost my touch with the ball. The same goes for stamina and one-on-one situations.

"Everything won't be 100 per cent straight away. But I believe my form will return in time."

Source: thesun.co.uk

Chamakh claims no arsenal interest



Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh claims Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur have joined the chase for his signature, but he is not expecting to move to Arsenal.

Chamakh is looking to leave the French champions and the Morocco international is eager to secure a deal in the Premier League.

Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland have shown an interest in the 25-year-old, who now says London duo Fulham and Spurs are monitoring his situation.

However, Chamakh does not believe he will be signing for Arsenal, despite Arsene Wenger confirming he is a possible option to replace Emmanuel Adebayor.
New challenge

"I want a new challenge, I have a weakness for the English league," Chamakh told L'Equipe.

"My dearest wish is to leave Bordeaux. I have repeated it for several months and I hope my officials will listen to my wish.

"With my agent, we have agreed terms with several English clubs that are keen to sign me. They are just waiting for my decision.

"They are notably Sunderland, Blackburn, Tottenham and Fulham. Arsenal? I don't really believe in it anymore. My officials have not received any offer so far.

"I have not made my decision yet. I am studying the offers.

"I want to know which destination will be the best for me. When I have made my choice, the club will contact Bordeaux."

Chamakh is hoping that Bordeaux will allow him to leave after suggesting money is not a motivating factor in his desire to move on.

He added: "I know Bordeaux can match the conditions I have been offered in England, but that doesn't change anything for me.

"I would like to be understood and listened to. My position is very clear. Four years ago, I accepted the club's demand to not leave when Lyon was determined to sign me.

"I believe I deserve to be paid back."

Source: Skysports.com

Wenger "We are good enough"



Adebayor's £25m departure for Manchester City has been welcomed by Arsenal fans disgruntled by what they perceived to be his lack of commitment last season. But they may be less than impressed by Wenger's reluctance to spend the transfer fee to plug the gap.

Adebayor is the latest high-profile player to exit the Emirates Stadium, following on the heels of Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini.

Wenger, however, believes the club will recover once again and already possesses a squad strong enough to compete next season.

"We must trust the players we have. It's a very important season for us and I believe we are in a very strong position," he said. "Big clubs lose big players. AC Milan have lost Kaka but will go on. Arsenal have lost big players before but we go on.

"We have also had positive messages - players like Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas are staying here.

"I believe we have a strong enough squad to meet the targets we have."

Meanwhile, Wenger admits that at one stage during Tomas Rosicky's rehabilitation he feared the Arsenal midfielder's career was over.

Hamstring and knee injuries sidelined Rosicky for 18 months with his appearance in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Barnet his first since January 2008.

Wenger is confident the Czech international will still be the same player and hopes he could be available for the Premier League opener against Everton on August 15.

"There was a time when I was worried Tomas wouldn't play football again and he felt the same," said Wenger. "But he had always led a healthy and dedicated life. Mentally he's also very strong.

"Of course you have to ask and hope if he will ever get back to where we want him to be and the answer looks like yes. We have to manage him well and prepare him well. If we comes through pre-season well he could start the season."

Source: Soccernet.com

Man City sign Arsenal striker Adebayor

Manchester City continued their spending spree with the signing of Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £25 million.

As the world was in sleep on friday night one of the least expected transfer took place that of E.Adebayor from Arsenal (North london) to East lands ie Manchester City.

Manchester City who are on a spending spree have already spent around 100 million pounds with the shock signing of Carlos Tevez from arch-rivals Manchester united,Gareth barry,Roque SantaCruz.

The transfer spree is to continue as their manager Mark Hughes is keen to sign John Terry from chelsea and J.Lescott from everton. This is possible as their
wealthy Arab owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan has provided his manager with a lotof cash for this summer in order to make his club reach the top of English as well as European football and this has helped Man City beign considered the richest club in the world.


With the rumours in the transfer market to continue and if the rumours come true by chance then Man city will pose a serious threat to the top four position or they might even win the EPL.


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Man City sign Arsenal striker Adebayor

Manchester City continued their spending spree with the signing of Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £25 million.

As the world was in sleep on friday night one of the least expected transfer took place that of E.Adebayor from Arsenal (North london) to East lands ie Manchester City.

Manchester City who are on a spending spree have already spent around 100 million pounds with the shock signing of Carlos Tevez from arch-rivals Manchester united,Gareth barry,Roque SantaCruz.

The transfer spree is to continue as their manager Mark Hughes is keen to sign John Terry from chelsea and J.Lescott from everton. This is possible as their
wealthy Arab owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan has provided his manager with a lotof cash for this summer in order to make his club reach the top of English as well as European football and this has helped Man City beign considered the richest club in the world.


With the rumours in the transfer market to continue and if the rumours come true by chance then Man city will pose a serious threat to the top four position or they might even win the EPL.


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Adebayor officially joins Man city



Manchester City have completed the signing of Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor on a five-year contract.

The fee for the Togo international has not been disclosed, although the 25-year-old is believed to have cost City in the region of £25million.

Adebayor was omitted from the Arsenal squad which tackled Barnet on Saturday as he was in Manchester putting the final touches on his five-year contact.

The former Monaco man, who joined Arsenal in 2006, has been moved by the reception received by fans and is looking forward to making history at Eastlands.

"It made me feel really welcome and special and I can't wait to play for City's fans and show them what I can do," he told City's official website.

"I was born to play football and that is what I want to do. I have come here to make history for this club and those supporters. It what the chairman and the manager told me that they want too and I can't wait to get started."

Manager Mark Hughes has signed some of the world's finest strikers this summer with Adebayor joining the likes of Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz in joining City.

Although Hughes has a plethora of attacking options he is delighted to have acquired Adebayor's signature, stating he will 'greatly enhance' City's ability to compete with the big four.

"Emmanuel has been one of the top forwards in the Premier League since he arrived from France and we are delighted he has agreed to come and join us," he declared.


"Along with the other signings we have made in the last two windows he will greatly enhance our ability to compete with the top sides.

"His arrival is another clear indication that we are determined to augment the players we have here with the best of international talent.

"He adds vital balance and power to our attack. He has everything a top forward needs. He is versatile, powerful, quick and agile on the ball.

"I am looking forward to working with him as are the rest of the staff. He will definitely add a new dimension to our play. I have been a great admirer for a long time."

Source: Skysports.com

Arsene Expects Adebayor exit


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Manchester City will be getting a 'special' player in Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Togo international is to undergo a medical at Eastlands on Saturday ahead of a reported £25million switch.

Wenger, who brought Adebayor from Monaco in 2006, confirmed a transfer is in the offing while stating that the returns of injured duo Thomas Rosicky and Eduardo will help compensate for his exit.

When asked if a deal looks more likely than less likely, Wenger said on Sky Sports News: "Yes.

"He is up at Manchester City having a medical and we will see what comes out of it.

"If the medical is positive and he agrees personal terms then it could happen.

"We'll miss him, but of course we want to focus on the players that are with us at the moment.

"We want to wish him well and thank him for everything he has done for the club.

"I wish him well, I am sure he will give something special to Man City.

"On our side we have Thomas Rosicky back and Eduardo back on Monday in full training. We have lost a big striker but gained one offensive player and one striker."

When asked about the alleged £25million fee for Adebayor, Wenger said: "I don't know what is good and what is bad in today's transfer market. We still have to sign the documents.

"The price we do not know. And we don't know whether we or Man City will come out with the price."

Source: Skysports.com

Arsenal Vs Barnet FULL TIME RESULT









Arsenal 2 v 2 Barnet

(Arshavin 43) (Yakubu 45)
(Barazite 51) (Charles 83)


Arsenal had made wholesale changes at Underhill at half time with Arshavin, Rosicky, wilshere and gallas among the absentees to make way in the second half for their youthful counterparts with new recruit Thomas Vermaelen being the only starter to continue in the second half.
After a strong finish from Barnet in the first half to level the match at 1-1, Half time substitute Nacer Barazite wasted little time in putting the gunners ahead with a beautifully paced curler into the top right corner of Viners goal. Despite some good play in the second half Arsenal were caught out by some good pressure by Barnet and a moment of defensive confusion allowed Elliot Charles to slot home the equaliser from 5 yards.



Arsenal may have been dissapointed not to get the victory but what will be hearteneing for Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal fans was the returning appearance of Thomas Rosicky who looked sprightly in his first return to match conditions in over a year.

Arsenal vs Barnet HALF TIME UPDATE














Arsenal 1 v 1 Barnet

(Arshavin ,43) (Yakubu ,45)

Arsenal are drawing at Barnet's Underhill stadium at half time. Sanchez watt's great run on the left flank allowed pacy winger Andrey Arshavin to send the gunners ahead from close range but Arsenal were beaten at the back by Yakubu's far post header to level the game at the stroke of half time.

Arsenal vs Barnet squad list released


The 21-man squad for Saturday’s pre-season curtain-raiser against Barnet has been announced.

As expected, a mixture of young players and more experienced heads will make the short trip to Underhill for the clash with the League Two side.

Included in the group is fit-again Tomas Rosicky who hasn’t appeared for the Gunners since January 2008.

Someone else who looks set to feature is new-signing Thomas Vermaelen who joined the Club from Ajax last month.

Live video of the Barnet v Arsenal game will be on Arsenal TV Online on Saturday from 2.50pm

Full squad to face Barnet:

Manuel Almunia
Vito Mannone
William Gallas
Johan Djourou
Mikael Silvestre
Thomas Vermaelen
Tomas Rosicky
Andrey Arshavin
Jack Wilshere
Thomas Cruise
Craig Eastmond
Luke Ayling
Conor Henderson
Francis Coquelin
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Mark Randall
Emmanuel Frimpong
Gilles Sunu
Sanchez Watt
Jay Simpson
Nacer Barazite

Source: Arsenal.com

Senderos + cash for Hangeland?


Arsenal are to offer fellow London club Fulham a player-plus-cash swap deal in order to snare towering centre-back Brede Hangeland away from Craven Cottage, according to The Daily Star, who claim that Philippe Senderos is the defender deemed disposable by the north London management.

The Gunners have added just one recruit during the transfer window, Thomas Vermaelen, one of Ajax's many captains from the past season and a player described by Goal.com's Netherlands branch as a strong man-marker who can dominate aerial balls. However, their defensive spending could be set to continue.

According to the report, Arsene Wenger is readying a £10 million bid for Hangeland plus Swiss international Senderos, who spent last season on loan at Serie A giants Milan.

Arsenal could have an extra £25m to play with should Togolese frontman Emmanuel Adebayor's lucrative Manchester City switch be completed. The 25-year-old is reported by Sky Sports News to have been present at the Gunners' training camp this morning, where he was believed to be saying his farewells to his team-mates.

Two of the more popular press-linked players to be sounded out as replacements for the former Monaco striker, who helped guide the Ligue 1 side to a Champions League final in 2004, are Girondins de Bordeaux hotshot Marouane Chamakh and Real Madrid's out-of-favour Dutchman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Source: Goal.com

Fabregas excited over rosicky return


Cesc Fabregas cannot wait to see Tomas Rosicky back in action.

The Czech midfielder has been hampered by injuries to his hamstring tendon and his knee since January 2008 but he returned to full training in May and was one of the first players back for pre-season last week.

The sight of Rosicky limbering up with his team-mates was a heart-warming one and he is now in contention for Arsenal's summer games, which begin with the traditional trip to Barnet on Saturday.

Fabregas and Rosicky are close friends as well as team-mates so the Spaniard knows as well as anyone what the 28-year-old has been through. The Arsenal captain has been amazed by Rosicky's mental fortitude.

"I have spent a lot of time with him and I know how he feels," Fabregas told Arsenal.com.

"I know what he wants and I have never seen a guy being so committed, so professional and never giving up. If this happened to me I probably wouldn't want to talk to anyone, I would be always down and angry. But he's unbelievable and when we see that he will be back next season, he will be strong and hopefully he can help us improve a lot.

"He's the type of player you enjoy playing alongside and as a guy he's amazing. He didn't deserve his injury but I am sure he will come back stronger. I wish him all the best because everyone here at Arsenal loves him a lot.

"I feel sorry for him but I don't need to say that to him, he's my best friend in the team and one of my best friends in football and my life."

Rosicky was a regular in the Arsenal side which challenged strongly for the Premier League title in 2008, striking up a fine understanding with Fabregas and fellow midfielders Mathieu Flamini and Alex Hleb. The Czech is one of the most experienced players in Arsène Wenger's squad and Fabregas believes he still has much to offer.

"He can bring many, many things to the team," said the captain. "He's a guy with a lot of experience, he has won things, he knows how to compete, he's very humble and he works for the team.

"Technically he is one of the best in the world and physically I am sure he will be really strong because he's been working really hard. I am happy because soon he is going to be back and I can't wait to see him playing again."

Source: Arsenal.com

Arshavin trusts Wenger's Ade policy


Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin has told Sky Sports News he trusts manager Arsene Wenger's judgement over whether to replace the potentially departing Emmanuel Adebayor.

Togo international Adebayor has been linked with a reported �25million transfer to Manchester City and talks are believed to be at an advanced stage.

The towering striker has proved an excellent weapon for the Gunners since he joined the club from Monaco three years ago.

Adebayor has netted 62 goals in 142 appearances for the North London team but has grown unsettled at Emirates Stadium.

Arshavin concedes it is up to the attacker whether he leaves Arsenal but is confident the club are in safe hands under Wenger, who is said to be lining up Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh as a replacement.

The Russia international told Sky Sports News: "I think it is very difficult for Arsenal and Adebayor as well.

"He is an excellent striker. Everybody knows him and he can score from nothing. But it is his decision whether he wants to stay or he wants to go.

"We have Arsene. He knows everything. He knows if we need someone then he will buy."

Source: Skysports

Adebayor passes Man city medical


Emmanuel Adebayor has passed a medical and will move to Manchester City once his work permit is approved.

The Togo striker, who has spent three-and-a-half seasons at Arsenal, is believed to be valued at £25m.

The 25-year-old, who scored 16 times for the Gunners last season, has also been linked to AC Milan and Chelsea.

City boss Mark Hughes said as Carlos Tevez was unveiled: "There have been discussions and possibly a deal to be done but nothing has been concluded."

Speaking at the press conference to announce the signing of the former Manchester United striker, Hughes admitted that there could be more arrivals at the big-spending club before the start of the season.

"It may well be that opportunities will present themselves. We still have areas we want to strengthen," he said.

City are intent on building a new-look attack and as well as Tevez have also added Paraguayan Roque Santa Cruz to their ranks this summer, having signed Craig Bellamy last season.

The Eastlands outfit are eager to break into the Premier League's top four this coming season and have shown their determination with their close-season spending.

Midfielder Gareth Barry was bought from Aston Villa, and from under the noses of last season's Premier League runners-up Liverpool, for £12m and City paid Blackburn about £18m for Paraguay international forward Santa Cruz.

City completed a deal for Tevez on Tuesday - the Argentine joining after City paid a fee of about £25m to secure his registration from third party ownership after his contract with Premier League champions Manchester United expired.

And if Adebayor also makes the switch to Eastlands, City will have captured players from three of the leading six clubs in the top flight last season.

In Adebayor, City would be buying a player who has scored 62 goals in 142 appearances for Arsenal since he joined the Gunners from Monaco for £7m.

He hit 30 goals in the 2007/08 season but struggled with injuries in the last campaign and also incurred the wrath of some Arsenal fans, who felt the striker lacked commitment.

With the influx of big-name players at Eastlands comes a new challenge for manager Hughes, according to former Manchester City player Dennis Tueart.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "The big challenge for managers now is to manage extremely wealthy young men, who do not need to work beyond their football careers.

"How does that affect their psyche and professionalism? These are things that the manager has got to sort out."

Source: BBC

Huntelaar's agent claims new clubs have lodged bids


Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's move to Stuttgart may yet fall through, after the player's agent revealed more clubs have expressed an interest in the 25-year-old.

The front-man only joined the Spanish giants from Ajax in January, netting eight league goals in 20 appearances.

However, the Dutchman's future at the Bernabeu - along with several of his fellow countrymen - has been cast into doubt following the return of former president Florentino Perez, who has already splashed more than €200 million on stellar signings including Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Huntelaar has been linked with a move to several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, with the Gunners believed to be eyeing either Huntelaar or Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh as a replacement for Manchester City-bound Emmanuel Adebayor.

While Arsenal's fierce North London rivals Spurs are said to be lining up the striker, who has totalled 143 league goals in 203 club appearances to date, to fill the boots of Darren Bent, who is reportedly wanted by Sunderland.

Stuttgart have already had a €20 million bid for the Holland international, who has scored 13 times in 23 caps, accepted.

But with the forward thought to be stalling on signing a deal with the Bundesliga outfit in the hope that sides from England or Italy would make a move, Huntelaar's representitive has revealed that other clubs have matched Stuttgart's bid.

“He has spoken with Stuttgart only once, but other clubs have also made bids,” Arnold Oosterveer told Sport.co.uk.

Oosterveer was also asked whether the player would miss Champions League football next season if he was to leave Real, to which he answered:

“There is more than just Champions League,” leaving the door open for Spurs who are not participating in Europe in 2009/10.

Source: fourfourtwo.com

Adebayor work permit in manchester tomorrow


Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has moved closer to his potential switch to Manchester City, it seems, with Sky Sports News reporting that a hearing has been scheduled in Manchester tomorrow to determine whether the player can be awarded a work permit.

City's capture of another striker, Carlos Tevez from Manchester United, was confirmed today, as the club's bid to become a European and global powerhouse moves into overdrive.

Manager Mark Hughes had earlier confirmed to reporters that the Citizens were in discussions over a move for the Togolese, with reports yesterday suggesting that a bid of £22million had been prepared, with the Eastlands outfit prepared to offer the player £170,000 a week in wages - double what he is reported to earn at Arsenal.

Hughes has already signed Roque Santa Cruz as reinforcement for his forward line, and,with the likes of Craig Bellamy, Robinho and now Tevez at the club, it looks as though the Welshman is seeking the depth needed in a squad serious about challenging for a place the top four and beyond.

Source: Goal.com

Huntelaar waiting in the wings for adebayor departure?


Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s prospective deal with German side Stuttgart is far from being complete according to the player’s agent. The Dutch international looks set to leave Real Madrid only six months after moving to the Bernabeu, having seen Florentino Perez’s galactico policy marginalise his opportunities for first team football. Speculation in the Spanish press has suggested that Stuttgart have had a €20m offer accepted by the Real hierarchy, but representative Arnold Oosterveer has stressed that circumstances are not so clear cut. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and AC Milan have all been linked with the player in the past, with the Gunners tipped to renew their interest in light of Emmanuel Adebayor’s likely move to Manchester City.

25-year-old Huntelaar has not travelled with the rest of Manuel Pellegrini’s squad to Ireland for their pre-season friendly with Shamrock Rovers as he continues to assess his options. Speaking to Calciomercato.it, agent Oosterveer claimed:

“The German club has reached an agreement with Real Madrid, but not with us.

“We have to talk, the player needs to evaluate not only the economic aspect, but also the sporting one.”

Source: Sport.co.uk

Man City in talks with Adebayor


Sky sports news are reporting that Manchester city are in talks over the signing of Emmanuel Adebayor. Sky sports claim that talks were held over the weekend and are at an advanced enough stage to report the story. The hope for Arsenal fans is that City's interest will mean a significant cash boost thanks to manchester city's unyielding power in the transfer window. More details will be posted on this as soon as they develop, please leave your thoughts below.

Van Persie turned down big money move


Robin van Persie turned down big-money moves to Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter Milan and Juventus, according to reports on Sunday.

The 25-year Arsenal forward is believed to have rejected overtures from Europe's biggest club's before penning a new four-year deal at The Emirates.

And van Persie is adamant he has done the right thing in staying put in north London.

He told the Sunday Mirror: "I made a list. I wrote on one side what I had. And I wrote down what was lacking.

"At Arsenal, Arsene Wenger values my contribution to the team, my fellow players show the same appreciation and everyone who works in the club is wonderful and so warm to me.

"Apart from all that I have a great connection with the supporters. I find it fascinating how they show their love for me as a player.

"My heart says that I cannot play in the shirt of another club for the next four years. Money has never been an issue in my career.

"When I signed my first contract at Arsenal, I was not on big money at all.

"Now the club have shown their appreciation. But it is not the money-side why I signed a new deal.

"All I want to feel is a bit of respect and a good relationship with everyone at the club. And that's what I have here."

Source: Foxsports

Theo eyeing trophies next season


Theo Walcott maintains Arsenal's young Gunners will have learned lessons from last season and has vowed they will win some silverware.

While most of the Arsenal first-team group have already returned to pre-season training, Walcott has been given extra time off to recover from a busy summer of international duty with the England Under-21s, who reached the European Championships final.

Holland international Robin van Persie, now signed up on a new, long-term deal, and captain Cesc Fabregas, who was away with Spain at the Confederations Cup, are also scheduled to link up with the squad ahead of the training camp in Austria, which will involve three matches before returning to London for the Emirates Cup.

Walcott knows when the action starts for real at Everton on August 15, Arsene Wenger's men have to prove they can turn potential into consistent results over the course of the campaign.

"It was a good learning curve for us all, but next year it is all about the trophies," Walcott said in the July edition of the official Arsenal magazine.

"Hopefully we have had the years of experience now and can bring something back for the fans.

"For me it was an up-and-down season - you are never really going to have a perfect one, but I am happy that my (shoulder) injury has gone so that I can come back to Arsenal and win things."

Walcott was, like Fabregas, one of the Gunners' key men to miss a large chunk of the last campaign, when Arsenal did recover some form to reach the semi-finals of both the Champions League and FA Cup.

With a fully fit squad to chose from, which could soon include Czech winger Tomas Rosicky, the England forward is confident Arsenal can compete.

"We had a bad spell mid-season and having so many injuries did not help," Walcott said.

"It you take five or six players out of Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea teams they are going to struggle to get points too.

"The players who came in did very well though, and in the end we just got our heads down, took things game by game and got the points to finish fourth very comfortably in the end."

Source: Foxsports.com