Arsenal FC

Its time for Emery to go away from North London !

2019-11-24T09:00:00.000+04:00

There was a time when Arsenal were feared by teams like Southampton when they come and play at the Emirates. A dominant Arsenal team with a handful of possession and shots on target.

Those were the good times and now is the dry Emery era.

Here it goes again and again...

Emery has been given public backing by the Arsenal hierarchy but he was warned that results must improve.

The Spaniard conceded himself, in the aftermath of Arsenal's latest draw, that his team did not hit the levels required against Southampton and completely understands the frustrations of the fans.

"I understand how the supporters feel about the team and me," he told Sky Sports.

"I'm going to work hard for them to come back and put in a good performance where we use our quality to show we can be better. Today they [the fans] helped us but we didn't give them the feedback to show our capacity to battle."

Despite Southampton registering 21 shots on Arsenal's goal and missing some glorious chances in the closing stages to extend their 2-1 lead, Emery felt Arsenal played their best 20 minutes of the whole season just after half-time when Nicolas Pepe hit the crossbar.

Its now time for the Arsenal management team to act and decide on the future of Emery and the direction where our beloved Arsenal are heading to ! ...

Van Persie Is the Same, but Which Team Is Better?

2012-11-03T12:35:00.000+04:00

For Robin Van Persie, Old Trafford was once an unforgiving place. As an Arsenal player the Dutchman never sampled victory at Manchester United’s Theatre of Dreams. United’s unbeaten home run against Arsene Wenger’s side dates to 2006; in fact, the Gunners sustained their biggest Premier League defeat the last time they visited.

Van Persie scored that day (although he also missed a penalty), turning in a performance that marked him as the Gunners’ only outstanding figure. It was a trend that carried throughout Arsenal’s season, with Van Persie scoring 30 times in the league, 40 percent of his team’s total for the season.

So considering the apparent gulf that already existed between United and Arsenal last season, and the off-season move of Van Persie to the northern side of the rivalry, is it safe to assume that gap has widened as the teams prepare to meet on Saturday (8:30 a.m. Eastern, ESPN2)? Is United better with Van Persie? Is Arsenal worse without him?

League tables never lie, it is said, so one drawing a comparison using the Premier League standings would conclude that Arsenal is actually better without Van Persie, having taken 15 points from their opening nine Premier League games, compared to only 13 from the same number of fixtures last season.

Of course, this comparison is far too simplistic, but it does dispel the common consensus that Wenger’s decision to let the Dutch striker leave the Emirates has critically weakened his team. Van Persie has continued his impressive goalscoring form with United, scoring seven times in seven Premier League starts. But has United become as reliant on him as Arsenal was often perceived to be?

Van Persie was responsible for a big chunk of Arsenal’s total attempts on goal last season, a little more than 26 percent. However, despite United’s supposed superior attacking line, Van Persie has taken a larger share of his new team’s overall shots in his first seven league starts, just over 32 percent. This would fit assumptions if Van Persie’s lower share was the result of a larger total attempts count by United. Yet Arsenal averaged almost 17 shots on goal per game last season, compared with only 15 by the Red Devils this year. But if Arsenal was indeed a one-man team last season, United is just as reliant on Van Persie already.

Wenger did not directly replace Van Persie at Arsenal. Instead he strengthened his squad across the board, giving the Gunners more attacking options by bringing in dynamic forwards like Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski, as well as the Frenchman Olivier Giroud. Wingers Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Theo Walcott have also been given more attacking responsibility.

That burden is now shared across Arsenal’s new look inter-changeable front line, with no one player enjoying more than 18 percent of the Gunners’ total attempts on goal. Some actually argue that Wenger’s decision to let Van Persie leave the Emirates has actually made his team more balanced. He also might have proved that the Gunners are not doomed without the Dutchman after all.

In Arsenal’s opening nine games last season they averaged 15 attempts on goal per game, hitting the target 34 percent of the time, and scoring 15 times. This year the Gunners have averaged 18 attempts on goal, with an on target rate of 33 percent, and have found the net 14 times.

So if Van Persie’s move north hasn’t weakened Arsenal, has it at least made United better?

By contrasting the opening seven games of United’s 2011-12 season, without Van Persie, and 2012-13 season, with him, it’s possible to get a glimpse of his impact. United averaged 18 attempts on goal (7.2 on target) and 3.4 goals in their opening seven league fixtures last season (numbers padded, for sure, by an 8-2 win over Van Persie’s Arsenal). This season they have averaged only 16 attempts on goal (6 on target) and 2.8 goals per game. The difference is too slight to conclude the signing of Van Persie has unsettled or even weakened United’s strike force, but neither can it be said that an improvement is clear.

Wenger has urged the Arsenal supporters making the journey north for Saturday’s game to show respect to Van Persie, their former captain, reminding them of what he did for the club during his eight years there. Those Arsenal players who were made to suffer sheer ignominy at Old Trafford last season, however, will have incentive in trying to prove to their former leader that they’re better off without him.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS ARSENAL TOMORROW MATCH DAY PREVIEW

2012-11-02T11:33:00.000+04:00

All eyes will be on Old Trafford on Saturday as Manchester United striker Robin van Persie takes on Arsenal for the first time since leaving the Gunners in the summer.

Nonetheless, despite plenty of attention being drawn to how the Dutchman will do against the players he captained last season, there are also three vital points at stake for both Barclays Premier League title contenders.

After closing the gap on leaders Chelsea with a controversial 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge last week, United will be looking to maintain the pressure on the Blues, while Arsenal are currently sixth on the table but are only six points off the summit.

Arsene Wenger's men may have produced one of the most memorable comebacks in recent history on Tuesday when they came from 4-0 down to record a 7-5 extra-time victory over Reading in the Capital One Cup, but the way they defended against a side currently in the relegation zone will leave their manager sweating at the prospect of taking on a Red Devils attack consisting of Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia and an in-form Javier Hernandez.

United themselves were eliminated from the Capital One Cup on Wednesday as they fell to a 5-4 extra-time at Chelsea after thrice taking the lead, and with the likes of Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski firing on all cylinders, Sir Alex Ferguson's defence could also be under severe pressure on Saturday.

Yann M'vila very much close to signing for Arsenal FC

2012-07-03T15:12:00.000+04:00

Rennes star M'vila is on the verge of signing for Arsenal FC according to various sources.
The Gunners have been tracking powerful enforcer M'Vila for around 18 months, and have made tentative enquiries for the player during each of the last two summer transfer windows.

M'Vila has always maintained his desire to move to the Premier League, and cleared the way for a switch to Arsenal at the end of the season, by telling Rennes he wanted to quit the club, in order to 'work under a famous French manager'.

Former Leverkusen manager Reiner Calmund: '90% chance' Podolski will go to Arsenal

2012-03-05T13:11:00.010+04:00

Former Bayer Leverkusen manager Reiner Calmund believes it is very likely that Lukas Podolski will move to Arsenal in the summer after claiming he spoke with the striker.

It was reported earlier this week that the English club have an agreement with Koln over the transfer of the Germany international at the end of the term. Furthermore, it was suggested that due to a contract clause, the Gunners could acquire the Podolski for a fee of €10 million.

'Calli' revealed that he met with the player at the city carnival, and the 26-year-old striker conveyed his desire to join an English club at the end of the season.

"I would bet a fortune on it [Arsenal transfer]! I talked with Lukas during the carnival. He is fixated on clubs in England, and I believe that there is a 90 per cent chance that he will move to Arsenal," said Calmund to SPORT1.

"Nothing has been made official yet. Koln calculated a price of €20m. Arsenal, however, will not easily blow out €20m for a player who has just a year left on his contract.

"Arsenal are a club with ambitions and he will explode there."

Podolski has been one of the main protagonists for Koln this season, scoring 15 goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances.

Credits to: www.goal.com

Arsenal target injury puts move in jeopardy

2011-12-14T14:16:00.001+04:00

Arsenal has been recently linked with the young german starlet Mario Goetze and are the strong favourites to attain his signature inorder to bring him to the Emirates in the January transfer window as a potential replacement for Cesc Fabregas.

But now he has torn a thigh muscle in Sunday's 1-1 Bundesliga draw with Kaiserslautern and has been riled out for a month putting a Premier League move in jeopardy.

ARSENAL 125 YEARS AND STILL MOVING FOREWARD

2011-12-12T21:26:00.000+04:00

Podolski diverting from Arsenal

2011-12-09T12:44:00.008+04:00

Lukas Podolski who for the past month has been linked with a move to Arsenal, based on a report started on a football blog back in October, which seemingly has gone ‘viral’ is now being linked with Bundesliga side Shalke.
The would be Arsenal target, is now being reported by TalkSport as being seen as the ideal replacement for Raul, whose deal with Shalke runs out in the summer.
26 year old Podolski who plays for Cologne is yet to sign a new deal with Cologne and it is possible he could move in the summer, but it is very likely he will stay in Germany. Especially as Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on resigning him. Podolski of course spent three years with the German giants between 2006 – 2009.]
The Polish born German international has a prolific record for the German international side, scoring over 40 times in 93 appearances for this country.

courtesy: http://www.footie-online.co.uk

Podolski hails Arsenal

2011-12-01T20:53:00.002+04:00

Lukas Podolski has encouraged Arsenal to keep up their pursuit by describing Arsene Wenger's side as a 'top club'.
Wenger is keen to sign the Germany striker from Cologne for £20million in January amid uncertainty about Robin van Persie's future at the club.
Podolski has been dismayed by his side's poor performances and talks to extend his contract beyond 2013 have stalled.

Asked about Arsenal's interest, the 26-year-old said with a smile: 'Arsenal are a top club. They have a good team and play right at the top level in England.'
Cologne are just five points off the bottom of the Bundesliga after losing four of their last six games.

They are already out of the German cup and are not playing in Europe this season, which is a far cry from the level of club Podolski thought he was joining when he left Bayern Munich in 2009.
Earlier this week he admitted he could his hometown club, saying: 'My family and friends may live here, but if I am in top condition, then I think I could fit into any side in Europe. I am not forced to stay only in Cologne.'

Courtesy: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

German Star hints Arsenal move

2011-11-27T16:59:00.003+04:00

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger has been tracking the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, 19 and is said to be weighing up a huge bid for his services.

And Goetze told his pals that he was massively impressed with the Gunners set-up when the two sides met in the Champions League clash in London on Wednesday night.

Mario was extremely taken by the stadium and the manner in which Arsenal are doing things on the pitch, a source said.

“He likes the way Arsenal play the game and for him there are only two clubs where he’d like to play once he moves from Dortmund - Arsenal or Barcelona.

Credits to : http://www.dailystar.co.uk

Arsenal to get a big boost by the return of starlet

2011-09-19T18:39:00.001+04:00

At last some good new for Gooners. Injured midfielder Jack Wilshere is seemingly ahead of time in his race to win back his fitness after suffering an ankle problem. The young star used his Twitter account to tell his army of followers that he has had a decent day and that he hopes to be back involved in the action any time soon.
He tweeted: “Good day at football today! In the gym again! Ankle feeling a lot better hope to be back playing soon!”
Wilshere is yet to play for the Gunners this season and it was first feared may not make his first start for the club until November, or even as late as December. But he has made good progress it seems.
Wilshere originally took to Twitter to confirm the injury news, and revealed he will be spending long hours in the gym to get fit. He said: ‘I can confirm I will be out for around 2-3 months! I am working hard in the gym to stay fit and I am gutted but I will be back stronger!’

Given our poor form it comes as a massive boost to be told he is on the mend.

Boca Juniors hold Arsenal for a draw

2011-07-31T12:56:00.001+04:00

Arsenal's endless summer saga of where Samir Nasri and Cesc Fábregas may ply their trade next paused briefly for a home bow against Diego Maradona's old club before Arsène Wenger, yet again, addressed the issue.

Regarding Nasri, who has a year left on his contract and is interesting Manchester City, Wenger informed him for the first time publicly that he should make a decision. "In the next 10 days it has to be clear on that front. If you ask me, do I want to keep him, I say yes. But he needs to be committed to that as well."

Wenger had included Fábregas in his ultimatum of 10 days, but, pressed on this, he softened the stance. "I don't give them 10 days, the transfer period is until 31 August. Ideally, we go into big games in the next two weeks, so in the next two weeks we need to sort our problems out, but there is no specific deadline of one day or 24 hours."

On Friday, Wenger had stated that, despite Fábregas wanting to leave for Barcelona, he would not be allowed to do so for less than Arsenal's valuation, with the Catalan club so far not returning with an improvement on their £27m bid earlier this summer.

Yet Wenger conceded that Nasri, if he does remain beyond September, could walk away next summer for free. Asked how much of a concern this would be, the manager conceded the point. "It's not ideal for us, of course, on the financial side, but, on the sporting side, he is an important player," Wenger said.

Gervinho's performance in a first-half cameo against Boca had suggested he may prove a vital performer this season. Yet, while the 24-year-old has a directness so chronically missing from these parts recently, Arsenal's concession of a two-goal advantage indicated their old problem of defensive brittleness may yet haunt Wenger's men again.

Once more, Fábregas was not included because of a hamstring problem – he is yet to feature this pre-season and may never again do so – while Nasri lined up in his familiar wide-left berth. This was a starting XI that missed Wojciech Szczesny, Alex Song, Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs from the strongest Wenger might field.

At its head was Gervinho, the £11m signing from Lille whose first telling contribution was to create Robin van Persie's opener. Peeling away from his central attacking position to the left, Gervinho took possession from a clever Jack Wilshere pass before pinging in a cross that Van Persie smashed home.

After the break, the substitute Aaron Ramsey smacked home Arsenal's second with his first touch, but the Gunners' flakiness then showed. A mistake by Sébastien Squillaci too near goal allowed Juan Riquelme to find Lucas Viatri, who pulled the first one back for the visitors.

Next, Johan Djourou let Pablo Mouche mug him, then slide home beyond Vito Mannone. Wenger claimed he was not concerned by the lapse, but he has some hard thinking to do on a few fronts.

Credits to:
http://www.guardian.co.uk

Wenger set to strengthen the defence

2011-07-23T14:49:00.001+04:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has promised fans he will do all he can to reinforce the club's suspect defence by the end of the current transfer window.

Wenger's backline cost the Gunners on a number of important occasions last season as Arsenal failed in their bid to land a trophy, despite challenging on four fronts at one stage of the season.
Most notable was the mix-up between goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny in the Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham, as well as the stunning meltdown at St James Park which saw Arsenal surrended a 4-0 lead to Newcastle to end up with merely a point.
While Wenger has acknowledged his back four needs bolstering, he has so far failed in his attempts to bring an established defender to the Emirates Stadium.
Everton have already turned down a £10million offer for Phil Jagielka, while Arsenal are yet to make a serious offer for Bolton's Gary Cahill and Blackburn's Christopher Samba, despite expressing interest in the duo.
However, Wenger is confident in his chances of landing one of his targets before the transfer window closes.
"We will have to find one more defender," Wenger said, according to The Sun.
"I can promise we work very hard on it.
"Around Europe you will see little movement as clubs who are selling hold out as long as they can.
"It will speed up in August."
When asked about Arsenal's failed offer for Jagielka, Wenger took a thinly-veiled swipe at Barcelona's pursuit of Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas by stating it was not in his club's nature to unsettle their targets.
"I do no want to do to clubs what some clubs do to us."
One player that has arrived at the Emirates after a long chase is Ivory Coast striker Gervinho, who signed from Lille for a reported £11m.
When asked if Gervinho, who favours the right side of attack, would pose a threat to Theo Walcott's first-team chances, Wenger revealed that the whole Arsenal forward line should be threatened by the new Gunner.
"He is a threat to everybody up front.
"He can play on the right, the left, and through the middle."
It now remains to be seen if Wenger will test Everton's resolve by returning with an improved offer, or try his luck with Cahill and Samba.

Credits to: http://www.espnstar.com/

Arsenal settle for a draw against Greentown

2011-07-16T17:49:00.000+04:00

The Gunners were desperately poor at the back in the first half and fell behind to a goal from Sebastian Vazquez after 16 minutes following a mistake from goalkeeper Vito Mannone.
Carlos Vela continued his impressive pre-season campaign when drawing Arsenal level on the stroke of half-time with a finish from close range, and though the Gunners improved markedly after their manager made 11 changes at the break, they were unable to find a winner in China.
Wenger was adamant earlier this week that his side does not have a weakness in defence, despite evidence to the contrary last season, and his players set about attempting to prove him wrong in an error-strewn first-half performance.
Mannone was forced into making a good save after only two minutes as Arsenal's defence was opened up by a ball over the top - a familiar scenario for the North London club in recent seasons - while Armand Traore also struggled at left-back.
After quarter of an hour, the Gunners were once again exposed as Uruguayan forward Paulo Pezzolano exploited uncertainty between the unconvincing Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci when curling a shot against the base of the post.
Inside two minutes, Hangzhou were ahead. Mannone made a terrible mess of a free-kick and after he fumbled the ball in the box, Vazquez pounced amid a stationary Arsenal defence to slot home the opening goal.
Arsenal grew into the contest slowly and saw Samir Nasri - starting despite persistent speculation regarding his future - go close with a neat volley that flew just wide of the post, but chances were few and far between as the Premier League side struggled for fluidity.
On the brink of half-time though, they found an equaliser. Andrei Arshavin looped a pass over the top of the Greentown defence and after Van Persie's cushioned shot was palmed away by Jiang Bo, Vela was alert to bundle the ball home.
Wenger made 11 changes at half-time and the result was a far more cohesive, energetic performance. Indeed, Arsenal nearly took the lead on 55 minutes when a shot from Aaron Ramsey from the edge of the box threatened to squirm away from the keeper and in.
As Arsenal pressed with much more verve, they continued to create chances and just before the hour mark Ryo Miyaichi laid the ball off to Kieran Gibbs, who saw his low drilled effort palmed away expertly by substitute Gu Chao.
Gibbs was a bundle of energy and on 64 minutes it was his run that resulted in Theo Walcott being played in on the right of the box. His initial shot was blocked and Walcott lobbed the follow-up over the bar. His team-mates, Gibbs especially, were unimpressed.
Walcott was his usual frustrating self but on 78 minutes was unlucky not to score when darting in ahead of his man to meet a cross from Miyaichi and head narrowly over the bar.
Miyaichi and Marouane Chamakh both forced Gu into smart saves in the closing minutes but the Gunners were unable to make a winner materialise.

Credits to: http://asia.eurosport.com/

A 4 goal victory for Arsenal in Malaysia

2011-07-13T22:51:00.001+04:00

Arsenal recorded a comfortable 4-0 victory over a Malaysia XI in the opening match of their Asia tour at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, where contract rebel Samir Nasri impressed when he came off the bench.
Aaron Ramsey scored from the penalty spot after just five minutes following a foul on Jack Wilshere.
Theo Walcott doubled the Gunners lead before half-time with a well taken lob from Ramsey's through ball.
Mexican Carlos Vela - who had been expected to be sold this summer - made it 3-0 just before the hour with an audacious close-range chip, and fellow substitute Tomas Rosicky nodded in during stoppage time following good work from Andrey Arshavin.
Arsenal will play the second match of their Asia tour in China, facing Hangzhou Greentown on Saturday.
The Gunners were without injured captain Cesc Fabregas, who remained in London to continue fitness work on his troublesome hamstring amid reports of a transfer to Barcelona.
There were first-team debuts for youngsters Ryo Miyaichi, back from a successful loan spell at Feyenoord, and right-back Carl Jenkinson, who signed from Charlton earlier this summer.
Belgian centre-back Thomas Vermaelen, who missed most of last season with a niggling Achilles injury, captained the side, while England international Kieran Gibbs started at left-back with Marouane Chamakh in attack.
Holland striker Robin van Persie and Nasri, linked with a £20million move away from Emirates Stadium, were among the substitutes.
It was a flying start for the Gunners when Wilshere darted into the left side of the penalty area and was tripped by Mohd Aidil Zafuan. Wales international Ramsey coolly dispatched the resulting spot-kick past Malaysia keeper Mohd Nasal Mat Nourdin.
Walcott could have doubled the lead when he darted in from the right, but fired over.
Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny had to be alert to divert a looping ball over, before at the other end, Vermaelen's header was just wide.
On 37 minutes, it was 2-0 when Ramsey's perfectly weighted pass put Walcott in behind the defence and the England forward planted a first-time effort over the advancing keeper.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger implemented the expected sweeping changes for the second half, with only Miyaichi, Jenkinson and Ramsey returning.

Young midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong made a welcome return following a season out with a serious knee injury, while both Vela and Denilson were also given a chance to impress despite being linked with summer moves.
Ramsey, now fit following a broken leg, fired over after latching onto a through ball from Vela.
Substitute keeper Vito Mannone - who had a loan spell at Hull - was penalised for timewasting, to concede an indirect free-kick just inside the Arsenal area, which was fired into the wall by Malaysia captain Safiq Rahim.
It was 3-0 on 59 minutes, when Vela, who failed to impress when loaned out to West Brom last season, was played in by Rosicky and finished with an audacious chip over the keeper from six yards.
With 20 minutes left, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd, Wenger sent on van Persie, Nasri and Arshavin.
Arsenal were sweeping forwards, with Nasri seeing plenty of the ball in a 4-3-3 formation.
Vela should have made it 4-0 when he danced around the keeper, but his shot was cleared off the line.
Rosicky had shot over when well placed, but nodded in a fourth during stoppage time after Arshavin had got away down the left and lofted the ball back across goal.

Credits to: http://www.football365.co.za/

Great news for the Arsenal Fans!!!!!

2011-07-11T14:50:00.001+04:00

Arsene Wenger gave a great news for the Arsenal fans.

Speaking right after his squad landed in Kuala Lumpur for their Far East tour, the Gunners boss:

Confirmed Nasri will stay at Arsenal next season despite strong interest from both Manchester United and City.

Insisted he is still trying to convince wantaway skipper Fabregas to snub a move to boyhood club Barcelona.

Revealed new £11.5million Arsenal star Gervinho has started training at London Colney after completing his move from Lille.

Admitted both Nicklas Bendtner and Manuel Almunia are on the verge of quitting the Emirates.

The Arsenal boss insisted that Nasri — who has only got one year left on his contract — will stay at the club regardless of whether he extends his deal.

Wenger said: "Will he be at the club this season? I say yes. Will he sign a new contract? I hope yes but I'm not the only one to decide that.

"There is always speculation when a player has only one contract year to go and has not signed a new contract that he might leave the club.

"But Samir Nasri is very happy at the club and is committed to staying at the club."
Speaking about Fabregas' future, Wenger added: "Yes, I am convinced Cesc will stay.
"It is as simple as that. I never speak about what's happening behind closed doors. Cesc loves the club and hopefully we'll manage.
"We know that this story for Barcelona goes on for years now and we have to close that and for ourselves to focus on the season hopefully with Cesc Fabregas.
"It's given too many headlines to newspapers for too much time, I think it's enough."
With Fulham, Borussia Dortmund and Sporting Lisbon interested in Bendtner and Atletico Madrid and Malaga leading the chase for Almunia, Wenger admitted their exits are only a matter of time.
He added: "Both are possible departures, they are talking to other clubs at the moment."
And on new Ivory Coast hitman Gervinho, Wenger said: "He has joined training today at London Colney, he has come back from holiday and signed.
"He had a medical on Thursday but we sent him back home because he has a family with children. It was so he has time to sort things out for two days.
"He came back yesterday and starts his fitness programme in London today. He is officially an Arsenal player now.
"But I decided not to take him on the tour because he has had no training sessions."

Credits to: http://www.goal.com/

Nasri seems to be happy at Arsenal

2011-07-10T20:59:00.001+04:00

Samir Nasri is seen enjoying the time with his Arsenal team mates while on the coach despite the transfer speculations.
He is included in the 23 men squad for asia tour.

Miyaichi in Arsenal squad for Asia Tour

2011-07-08T23:31:00.000+04:00

Arsène Wenger has confirmed that Ryo Miyaichi will be in the Arsenal squad that travels to Asia and says the teenager could force his way into the first team next season. 

The Japanese forward turned heads with some impressive performances while on loan at Feyenoord last term and has linked up with his new team-mates at London Colney this week as they kicked off their preparations for the new campaign. 

After seeing Miyaichi at close quarters, Wenger says he will include the 18-year-old in the travelling party that leaves for Asia on Sunday. 

“He is on the plane because he is quality,” the Frenchman told Arsenal.com. “We want to give him a chance to show his quality and I think everybody will be curious to see him play in Asia. 

“I rate him personally [and] it’s a good opportunity for him to show that he has the talent to play for Arsenal Football Club. He has an opportunity to show that [he is good enough for the first team]. 

“He has done extremely well at Feyenoord and we have so many good reports. It will be interesting to see him play.”

Source: http://www.arsenal.com/

Wenger: 'I'll fight to keep Cesc and Nasri'

2011-07-08T23:29:00.000+04:00

Arsène Wenger has vowed to fight as hard as he can to keep Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri at Arsenal.

Both midfielders have been linked with moves away from Emirates Stadium during the summer but, speaking exclusively to Arsenal Player on Friday afternoon, the manager re-affirmed his desire to retain their services.

“Our position is always the same, we want to keep Cesc and I will fight as hard as I can to keep him,” said Wenger.

“Samir Nasri is exactly the same. We will do everything we can to keep him.”

Nasri is expected to travel with the squad this weekend as Arsenal fly out to Malaysia at the start of their tour of Asia however Fabregas has a muscular injury and is likely to be left behind.

Emmanuel Eboue (calf) is an injury doubt.

“We will take the strongest possible squad,” said Wenger. “Fabregas will not travel because he still has a small muscular problem. He will stay and practice here. There is a doubt about Eboue who has done his calf.”

Source: http://www.arsenal.com/

'We are working long nights to sign players'-Arsene Wenger

2011-07-08T23:26:00.000+04:00

Arsène Wenger says he is working “long nights” to bring the right players to Arsenal.

The manager says he understands the impatience from the fans to see new arrivals at Emirates Stadium but, as ever, he is waiting for his moment.

Wenger confirmed that striker Gervinho is close to completing his move to the Gunners from Lille. And the 61-year-old is doing all he can to add “one or two” more players to the Arsenal ranks.

“We are working very hard on it,” he told Arsenal.com. “For me, the best thing is not to talk too much about it. The more you speak about things, the less chance you have to achieve them. The only thing that I can promise you is that we will work very hard and we have had some long nights to achieve what we want to achieve.

“I can understand [the impatience among the fans]. Believe me, I know all the clubs in the world and everybody needs the same players for the same positions. If there were an obvious choice, people would have already made their decisions. We are at the top level and therefore need exceptional quality to strengthen our side. I can understand that people say ‘you have money, just go out and buy’. But it’s not only that, we want to find the quality we need.

“I have said many times that we were very close to winning things last season, despite the disappointment we had at the end. I hope that provokes a response from my players. We were so close this time we want to come back and achieve it.

“My responsibility is first of all not to lose players and then to add and make us stronger.

“Let’s hope we can bring in one or two more additions of top quality

Source: http://www.arsenal.com/

Arsenal to bid £27 million for Benzema

2011-07-07T20:22:00.002+04:00

A bid of £27million would smash the Arsenal transfer record, which currently stands at the £14million paid f

The Gunners boss is looking to the Real Madrid striker in a bid to offset the expected loss of captain Cesc Fabregas and influential playmaker Samir Nasri this summer

Wenger is looking to the French international to improve his side's lacklustre strikeforce and he will be hoping he can form a dangerous partnership with Robin van Persie.
As well as the goal threat posed by Benzema, his signing will also reduce the clamour from Arsenal fans to start spending some of the club's undoubted wealth.
Wenger's side, which has been trophy-less for six seasons, has been criticised by fans and pundits alike for playing good football, but falling at the last hurdle, when the pressure mounts.

Should Benzema sign on the dotted line, he will be Arsenal's second attacking signing of the transfer window, as Lille striker Gervinho passed a medical at the Emirates on Wednesday, and is expected to be confirmed as an Arsenal player later this week.

The transfer rumour mill is also linking Arsenal with a £25m bid for Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Credits to: http://www.metro.co.uk/

Manchester City signs Gael Clichy

2011-07-05T11:22:00.003+04:00

Gael Clichy has completed his move to Manchester City, after successfully passing a medical and agreeing personal terms to seal his move north from Arsenal.

It has been suggested City would be paying £7million for the full-back, who is Roberto Mancini's first summer signing.
Although Arsene Wenger was keen to keep his fellow Frenchman, with Clichy about to enter the final year of his contract, having indicated he was not willing to agree an extension, Arsenal had little option but to cash in.

Arsenal linked with Wolves striker

2011-07-04T13:44:00.000+04:00

It is been reported that Arsenal are linked with Wolves striker Kevin Dolye for a £12million move to the Emirates.
Kevin Doyle can provide Wenger with very good attacking choices with the likeliness of Robin Van Persie and Gervinho.

Nasri set for talks with Arsenal about future

2011-07-03T20:24:00.000+04:00

According to reports Arsene Wenger will hold talks with Nasri tommorow about his future.Arsenal are yet to receive a concrete offer for the France international who has entered the final 12 months of his contract and has indicated he will not sign a new five-year deal worth around £90,000 a week.
The 24-year-old is aware that Manchester United are expected to formalise their interest in him, while both Manchester City and Chelsea are monitoring the situation in the event that their pursuits of priority targets do not come to fruition.
Nasri, a £15.8m signing from Marseille in 2008, is not due to return to London Colney until Thursday having been granted a few extra days' holiday, as have those other Arsenal players who were involved in international duty at the start of the summer. The midfielder, who has not won anything since moving to the club, was quoted over the weekend claiming his motivation is far from financial and, instead, centres upon a desire to win things.
"I don't want to sign for a club where I wouldn't be playing the football that I like, where I wouldn't feel happy, just for the money," he said. "We already earn huge wages. The priority is to make a big career and to win titles. This is more important than everything else."

Credits to http://www.guardian.co.uk/

When will Nasri Fabregas transfer saga end...?

2011-07-02T12:19:00.000+04:00

Now its almost like a daily routine for the media to publish about the transfer rumours linking with the two stars of the Arsenal football club..Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Barcelona are coming to approach the Arsenal skipper with a never ending thirst...There are reports that Real Madrid is ready to offer 45million euros for Cesc Fabregas.
And it is our main rivals Manchester United and Chelsea are chasing our star player Samir Nasri.
But today AS Roma told that Nasri will be sold only for around 28 million euros by the club and not less than that amount.
So when is this Tranfer saga gonna come to an end...??
Lets hope that both of them stays with the club as both of them are equally important inorder to raise a silverware next season..
As our emerging young player Jack Wilshere hopes for the trio to stay including Gael Clichy...but Clichy is almost sure to go to Manchester City...so we can hope that two of our star players will be there with us.

Written by
Arun for Arsenal FC

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