Arsenal Ready to Make Record Breaking Move for £22.5m Real Madrid Striker Karim Benzema

Emirates boss hopes to lure Bernabeu star to North London.

Arsenal are ready to make a significant bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema this summer as Arsene Wenger looks to improve his side’s striking options. The French international has long been a target of the North London club and the Gunners boss will hope that the lure of regular first team football may tempt the former Lyon striker.

The 23 year old Bernabeu star is very much a back up player and though he initially failed to make the most of his run in the first team, that came as a result of long term injury to Argentine Gonzalo Higuain, a run of good form has led to the Real Madrid man netting 22 goals this season.

However Jose Mourinho has made it abundantly clear that he will be looking to refresh his attacking options with a move to sign another striker which will in turn leave Benzema once again warming the bench and could lead to the powerful forward looking to leave the Spanish giants.

Arsenal have had to rely heavily on Robin Van Persie for firepower over the past couple of seasons and injury concerns plague the Dutch international who has missed more games than he has started during his seven years at the club. New signing Marouane Chamakh started the season brightly but has looked well off the pace since Christmas and back up alternatives Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela are tipped to leave the club at the end of the season.

Whilst Arsene Wenger is known for being something of a spendthrift after six seasons without tangible success or silverware, the Frenchman is ready to make big name moves to help appease the star players he has at the club who are looking for a statement of intent in the form of established star signings this summer.

Real Madrid be looking for at least €25m (£22.5m) for Benzema and whilst that would represent a trasnfer record fee for Arsenal it is still some way below the €41m paid to Lyon for the young striker just under two years ago and a seemingly fair fee for a player of his age and potential.

source

Read more...

Arsenal Agree to £35m Sale of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona

But will Nou Camp side pay the asking price for the Emirates Stadium skipper?

ARSENAL are ready to reluctantly sell Cesc Fabregas for £35million.
Arsene Wenger is unlikely to stand in the Spaniard’s way after persuading him not to leave last season for his beloved Barcelona.

Arsenal insiders are convinced this will be Fabregas’ last season at the Emirates despite having four years of his £120,000-a-week contract to run.

The Spain international is disillusioned with the club’s failure to lift a trophy since 2005.

Boss Wenger knows it will be virtually impossible to convince the ambitious Fabregas, 23, to prolong his stay. He was bitterly disappointed when Arsenal refused a £29m offer from Barcelona last summer.

Wenger convinced him to have one last crack at leading Arsenal’s young team to glory but they have fallen short again and Fabregas voiced his growing frustration in an interview in Spain.

A club insider said: “There is a feeling Cesc has gone as far as he can with Arsenal.

“He has been with us eight years and believes he has shown great loyalty.

“The team will finish the season empty-handed again and he fears that situation will not change.”

SOURCE: The Sun

There is no doubting that Cesc Fabregas has not been at this best this term and that another season without silverware will have ramifications on the Spaniard’s state of mind, but are Arsenal ready to sell their captain? Wouldn’t such a sale admit their shortcomings? Arsene Wenger has stated in recent press conferences that he plans no major player sales so not sure if there is much to this story other than a ‘club insider’ who could of course be totally fictitious.

Cesc has been continually linked with a return to the Nou Camp over the past few seasons and perhaps the most pertinent question to ask in relation to such interest would be “where exactly would Fabregas fit into Guardiola’s plans?”.

Given that it would be next to impossible to play Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Fabregas in the same midfield perhaps any move to sign the Arsenal captain would occur only when Xavi was nearing retirement, which doesn’t seem imminent.

Wenger also reportedly faces a challenge to keep other big names players with the likes of Robin Van Persie, Gael Clichy, Andrei Arshavin and Samir Nasri all strongly linked with moves away from North London. There is a sense that this summer will be a big one for the Gunners and most supporters will be looking to see their club buy established players whilst keeping those in the squad who have something to offer.

source

Read more...

Arsenal To Speak To Nasri, Clichy About New Deals In Summer

According to the Telegraph, Arsenal are expected to hold contract talks with midfielder Samir Nasri and defender Gael Clichy during the summer. Wenger said,

“We are talking to Nasri and his agent already and we have the same situation with Clichy … We have agreed to speak about it during the summer.

“The players have the opportunity here to do it in their own way, with their own philosophy, with their own togetherness … When you sign a contract for four or five years, you are committed through your contract to win trophies with the club where you sign.

“It is in no contract that if you do not win a trophy the first year, you can leave.”

source

Read more...

Cohen kills off Arsenal hopes

Man of the Match: Daniel Sturridge. His touch and vision posed a big threat in and out of the box, making two great chances for Lee before pouncing for the opening goal.
Moment of the Match: Tamir Cohen's emotional tribute to his late father after scoring the last-gasp winner which dashed Arsenal's title hopes.
Save of the Match: Wojciech Szczesny's block to deny Chung-Yong Lee from close range in the first half.
Miss of the Match: Samir Nasri had a great chance to put Arsenal in front when clean through with 20 minutes left but he fired too close to Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Talking Point: How much longer should Arsene Wenger be given at Arsenal? Are his players chokers or simply just not good enough?Arsenal's title hopes are now surely over after Tamir Cohen's late winner gave Bolton a 2-1 victory at the Reebok Stadium.

Daniel Sturridge gave the hosts a deserved 38th-minute lead, although Gary Cahill's initial effort may have crossed the line first.

The visitors, who needed to win to close the gap on league leaders Manchester United, looked set to go 2-0 down when Sturridge won a penalty just 30 seconds into the second half.

But Kevin Davies' tame effort was saved by Wojciech Szczesny and just a minute later Robin van Persie amazingly drew Arsenal level with a well-worked equaliser.

The Gunners then spurned a host of chances to go in front, with Samir Nasri the biggest culprit, before Bolton sub Cohen headed home from Matt Taylor's 90th-minute corner.

The Israeli midfielder then removed his shirt to reveal a picture of his late father Avi, the former Liverpool player who died in December following a motorcycle accident, before breaking down in tears.

That left Arsenal's title bid in tatters, as although they host United next Sunday, they are now nine points adrift of the Red Devils with four games left. Now only second-placed Chelsea have any realistic hope of denying United the Premier League crown.

The first half was a familiar story for Arsenal fans, with Arsene Wenger's men bossing possession but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities, while Bolton's more direct approach paid dividends.

Theo Walcott saw a shot parried by Jussi Jaaskelainen early on and Nasri's follow-up effort was blocked by a combination of Cahill and Zat Knight.

The Gunners' pace looked to be their greatest threat and from a quick break, Cesc Fabregas forced Jaaskelainen to turn a 25-yard effort round the post.

Bolton were giving as good as they got, though, and they probably should have been ahead in the 24th minute when Sturridge caught the Arsenal defence napping with a superb through ball for Lee Chung-yong but he flicked the ball inside for Taylor and Alex Song cleared the danger when Lee should have gone alone.

The Korean midfielder had another golden chance in the 37th minute, with Sturridge again the architect courtesy of a lovely chip into the box from the right, but Szczesny blocked Lee's shot.

There was no denying Bolton from the resulting corner, though, as Lee's delivery was headed goalwards by Cahill and, although Nasri blocked it at the far post, Sturridge was on hand to convert a diving header from barely two yards for his seventh goal in nine games for Bolton.

Fabregas almost levelled things before the break but his 20-yard drive cannoned off a post with Jaaskelainen well beaten, and things got worse moments after the restart.

Sturridge's neat turn took him past Johan Djourou and referee Mike Jones pointed to the penalty spot when the on-loan Chelsea striker went down under pressure from Djourou.

It was perhaps a harsh decision but the Gunners will have felt justice was done when Bolton skipper Kevin Davies dinked a tame effort down the middle and Szczesny easily blocked the spot-kick.

Then barely a minute later, Van Persie picked up the ball on the right and played a one-two with Fabregas before sweeping the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

It was the seventh successive away game in which the Dutch striker had scored, setting a new Premier League record.

Nasri then ran on to Van Persie's superb through-ball in the 65th minute to go clean through but Jaaskelainen made himself big to block Nasri's shot, with Cahill tracking back to block Nasri's second effort from a wide angle.

Nasri would have had another glorious chance within a minute had he latched onto a knock-down by sub Marouane Chamakh, before the Frenchman snatched at another effort down the right when he had time to control.

Bolton defended superbly as Arsenal pressed and it was the hosts who created the clear-cut chance Arsenal craved when Johan Elmander got in behind Djourou down the right to charge into the box before seeing his shot turned wide by Szczesny.

And Djourou was at fault again from the resulting corner as Cohen got in front of the Swiss centre-back to head Taylor's corner home at the near post.

Cohen broke down in tears as he was mobbed by his team-mates but it was Arsenal who were left distraught moments later as Jones blew the final whistle.

source

Read more...

Bolton crush Arsenal title hopes

Arsenal's Premier League title challenge is all but over after they lost to a last-minute goal at Bolton.

The Gunners were below par in the first half and trailed at half-time to Daniel Sturridge's header following a corner.

Early in the second half, Wojciech Szczesny saved a Kevin Davies penalty and a minute later Robin van Persie slotted in an equaliser for Arsenal.

The visitors had enough chances to win the match but were left shocked by Tamir Cohen's poignant late header.

The substitute celebrated his match-winning goal by revealing a t-shirt in honour of his late father Avi (a former Liverpool player), who died after a motorbike accident in December.

But while Cohen's sentiment was touching, Arsenal will be left with litttle reason to lift their mood.

Title chances now minimal - Wenger

After wins for league leaders Manchester United and rejuvenated challengers Chelsea on Saturday, the equation was a simple one for Arsenal: win, or essentially wave goodbye to this year's title challenge and their last remaining hopes of silverware.

Three points here would have left the Gunners knowing that victory over United at the Emirates next Sunday would have taken them to within three points of the leaders, but they now trail Sir Alex Ferguson's men by nine points with only 12 to play for.

Having spent much of the season as United's closest challengers for the league, Arsenal now face a battle to secure second place in the table, with Chelsea holding a three-point lead and a superior goal difference over them.

There was a time, not long ago, when Arsenal's performances at the Reebok represented a central tenet of the argument that Arsene Wenger's side were a soft touch.

Three successive victories at the Reebok in a run of eight straight wins in total over Bolton prior to Sunday had helped them to hit back at accusations of their physical fallibility.

But doubts remain about the Gunners' mental strength, which was further fuelled by their sacrificing of a two-goal lead in last Wednesday's 3-3 draw at north London rivals Tottenham, and will now come under the severest scrutiny.

Yet a victory in Lancashire would not have flattered Arsenal. They fashioned enough chances in the second half alone to comfortably win the game. The fact that they did not, when you suspect their title rivals would have, is telling.

Samir Nasri will be wondering how he did not score with two clear opportunities in the second half, firstly when Jussi Jaaskelainen saved his shot after he had been released by Van Persie, and then when the Frenchman failed to connect with a header back across the box to him from substitute Marouane Chamakh.

However, the visitors had only themselves to blame for being in such a frantic second-half state.

They had plenty of possession before the break, but too often let themselves down by over-playing in the final third, and often lacked focus in defence.

This gave encouragement to a Bolton side determined to make amends for their FA Cup semi-final hammering at the hands of Stoke last Sunday.

The clearest goalscoring chances in the first half were fashioned by the home side.

Coyle delighted with turnaround in form

Midway through the half, Sturridge split the Gunners defence with a pinpoint pass to unleash Chung-Yong Lee, but inexplicably the midfielder opted for an elaborate flick pass to Davies and Song was able to intercept and clear.

Minutes later, Johan Djourou's mistake gave Matthew Taylor a clear shooting opportunity, but Szczesny was able to save the 20-yard angled drive low down.

It was no surprise when Wanderers opened the scoring, seven minutes before the break, and it was equally predictable that the in-form Sturridge would get the goal.

Gary Cahill's header from a corner was blocked on the line by Nasri and Sturrdidge was first to react, nodding in his seventh goal in nine games since joining on loan from Chelsea.

In the first minute of the second half the 21-year-old made another major contribution, falling under the challenge of Djourou for a penalty.

However, Szczesny was able to save Davies' poorly taken spot-kick with his legs to keep alive Arsenal's hopes of victory.

These were raised further when, a minute later, Van Persie fed Fabregas in the box and then ran on to the Spaniard's lay off to side-foot in an equaliser.

This prompted a 40-minute siege of the Bolton goal, but a second away goal refused to come.

Instead Arsenal's growing desperation left them increasingly vulnerable at the back, and Bolton capitalised when Lee's corner was headed home by Cohen.

source

Read more...

Liverpool Plan Ambitious £9m Arsenal Star Bid

Anfield outfit keen on Emirates Stadium left back.

Liverpool are reportedly planning an ambitious move to sign Arsenal left back Gael Clichy. Contract talks between the French international and the North London club have broken down and with one year left year on his Gunners deal Anfield director of football Damien Comolli is hoping to lure the 25 year old to Merseyside.

The left back area has been something of a problem this season with Paul Konchesky starting the season as first choice before being loaned out to Nottingham Forest after failing to impress. Emiliano Insua is also out on loan and injury to Fabio Aurelio has led to the emergence of teenager Jack Robinson as a player with a great deal of potential, however Kenny Dalglish is still looking for a player to fill the hole.

After eight years at Arsenal Clichy is reportedly considering his future and given that Arsene Wenger has ready made replacements in England international Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore the French boss may be willing to allow the former Cannes man to leave.

Liverpool may find it hard to convince Clichy to move to a club who is unlikely to offer Champions League football for next term but having seen the sharp upturn in fortunes under Dalglish and the fact that the club is under new ownership, seemingly eager to bring in big names, a move to Anfield may tempt the Toulouse born full back.

Liverpool will be looking to strengthen their squad following the big money signings of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January and a fee for Clichy would be significantly decreased by the fact that in one year he could leave for nothing.

source

Read more...

Tottenham comeback stuns Arsenal

Arsenal's title challenge suffered a further blow as Tottenham came from 3-1 down to earn a deserved draw in an excellent north London derby.

In a frenetic first half, Theo Walcott side-footed the Gunners ahead before Rafael van der Vaart struck a leveller.

Samir Nasri's drive put Arsenal back in front and Robin van Persie hooked in a third but Tom Huddlestone's stunning drive made it 3-2 before the break.

Van der Vaart's second-half penalty completed Spurs' comeback.

source

Read more...

Arsenal Man Linked With £6m Tottenham Move: Wenger Eager to Sell

White Hart Lane boss ready to launch bid to sign Emirates Stadium utility man.

Speculation is rife that Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue will be sold by Arsene Wenger this summer with Harry Redknapp keen to sign the Ivory Coast international to help beef up his defensive options. The 27 year old’s costly error, when he gave away a last gasp penalty against Liverpool on Sunday, is said to have been the final straw for the Gunners boss who was already leaning towards selling the utility player.

The £6m rated right sided player has been at Arsenal for six years and has in the main only be called upon when poor form, injury or suspension had left Wenger having to depend on Eboue to put in a solid shift. The former Beveren man became the subject of booing from his own supporters at one stage of his career at the North London club but had improved steadily since.

However this season Emmanuel Eboue has been an up and down one and now it appears that Wenger is ready to let the at times eccentric performer leave. Tottenham boss Redknapp has had various issues with the right side of his defence of late and neither Vedran Corluka or Alan Hutton have the first team spot nailed on.

Eboue’s adaptable ability is said to interest the White Hart Lane boss and both The Metro and Daily Mirror have in recent weeks stated that a move was on the cards and after Sunday’s calamity a deal appears to be in the offing.

The foul on Lucas could well prove very costly to Arsenal who saw two point dropped in their pursuit of table toppers Manchester United and Wenger is ready to conduct a major clear-out this summer with the likes of Denilson, Abou Diaby, Manuel Almunia, Nicklas Bendtner and Gael Clichy all strongly linked with exits from the Emirates Stadium.

source

Read more...

Arsenal Striker To Make Decision On Future At End Of The Season

Emirates star is only concentrating on overhauling Old Trafford club.

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner will make a decision on his future in North London at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old is frustrated over a lack of first-team opportunities with 11 of his 14 appearances in the Premier League coming from the bench.

The Denmark international has constantly bemoaned the fact he should be a regular in the Gunners line up but his claims have gone unanswered.

But he will leave any decision until the summer as he is fully concentrated on overhauling Manchester United’s seven point lead at the top of the table.

Arsenal have six games remaining and travel to neighbours Tottenham Hotspur tonight.

Bendtner understands why he has not had more starts this season but believes he deserves more chances.

“It is incredibly frustrating not being seen as a first-team player, but there is not much I can do about it,” Bendtner told Ekstra Bladet.

“I have proven that I am good enough to play from the start at Arsenal.

“[Robin] van Persie is ahead of me at the moment and there is nothing to say about that because he has scored 16 goals since New Year.”

“After this season I will decide on my future, but not before.”

source

Read more...

Arsenal Boss Prepares £22m Bids for Relative Unknown Strike Pairing

Emirates boss targets Bundesliga and Ligue 1 aces.

Arsenal will need to part with at least £13million if they want to solve their goalscoring crisis with Papiss Demba Cisse.
Arsene Wenger’s side have scored just seven goals in their last seven games – a poor return for their usually prolific free-flowing football – and have all but surrendered the title to Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Freiburg’s 25-year-old striker has scored 20 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances this season putting the Senegalese forward at the top of a number of Europe’s top sides’ shopping list.
But German newspaper TZ claims the club has told anyone interested in the striker not to waste their time with any bids below £13m.

SOURCE: talkSPORT

Whilst there is no denying that Papiss Demba Cisse is in a rich vein of form it is also true that the Senegal international striker is a player that most football supporters had not have heard of prior to his Bundesliga exploits this term.

Arsene Wenger is known for opting to cut costs by spending relatively small amounts on rough diamonds that he can then hone into the finished polished article and it’s a process that may help Arsenal to keep the club on a sound financial footing, however it does require these players longer to bed in than established stars, which has in some ways left the North London club to be in a continual state of transition.

25 year Cisse has done fantastically well this season but it is worth noting that prior to this term the Dakar born striker had scored a grand total of six top tier goals having previously played predominantly in France’s Ligue 2.

Wenger is also tracking £9m rated Lorient forward Kevin Gameiro who has been very consistent over the past three seasons and is currently the second top scorer in France’s top tier, again though, he is not a big name. Clearly Arsenal have bought Laurent Koscielny from the same club last summer, could that signing be considered a success? Perhaps a month ago it could’ve been but the Frenchman has been shaky of late.

There has been much speculation that the Gunners boss is keen to chop and change his front line and such action seems much needed. Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela may be offloaded and there is even talk of a return to France for Marouane Chamakh, the Moroccan started the season with a bang but has looked out of his depth since November.

Arsenal supporters would probably like to see the club chase relative big names, maybe an offer for the likes of Karim Benzema, but Wenger seems happy to continue his tried and tested pattern of expenditure and in the main that plan of action has been a huge success but after six seasons without silverware, as it may well turn out to be, perhaps it’s time for the Emirates Stadium side to look for immediate returns on their investments?

Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!

Arsenal Boss Prepares £22m Bids for Relative Unknown Strike Pairing, 4.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating

source

Read more...

Harry Redknapp On… Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Lionel Messi, England And David Bentley

White Hart Lane lifts the lid on his dealing with Emirates club, signing a Nou Camp legend and the ‘disrepectful’ St Andrew’s player.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp was the guest of honour on a special Absolute Radio breakfast show celebrating the 20 years of Sky Sports.

Hosts Russ Williams and Helen Chamberlain asked the colourful manager on his side’s upcoming derby clash with Arsenal, his relationship with Arsene Wenger, the England job, signing Lionel Messi and THAT moment when he was soaked by David Bentley.

Here’s the transcript of their chat:

Harry Redknapp on… Spurs vs Arsenal
Harry Redknapp: “I don’t mind, as long as we come out on the right end of the score.  Maybe 2-1, a bit like last year’s result, certainly we’d take that.

“The score tonight, I wish I knew. It’s going to be a tough game, they’re a good side and away from home they’ve got unbelievable form.

“They haven’t lost in the League for an awful long time, but we’re very good as well, so it’s got the makings of another great game.

“I mean, we’ve turned it round a little bit the last couple of years with Arsenal, we won at the Emirates this year for the first time in an awful long time, we beat them at home last year.

“So hopefully, I don’t mind, as long as we come out on the right end of the score.  Maybe 2-1, a bit like last year’s result, certainly we’d take that.

Russ Williams: “And a Danny Rose-like goal would be very handy.”

HR: “Yeah, that was an amazing goal for Danny, I mean, to make his debut and come in that night and score that goal, you know.

“You haven’t seen too much of Danny since, but I still think Danny’s a kid with a good future, and he’s certainly come back in good form recently, and I’m sure we’ll see a bit more of Danny.

Harry Redknapp on… Arsene Wenger
HR: “I get on okay with him, I don’t have too many problems with Arsene, we always seem to get on okay, you know. Everybody else has had problems with him, I don’t.”

Harry Redknapp on… Dream transfer signings
HR: “You’d have to say Messi, I think Messi is just an absolutely incredible player, you know, for me he’s almost unplayable.

“You look at his goal record, 60-odd goals in 60-odd games for Barcelona in the last 60-whatever matches, he’s just amazing.

“When you watch him play he’s unstoppable, he’s a little man who looks like he loves playing football, he’s an absolute genius, and for me he’s the best player in the world at the moment.”

Harry Redknapp on… The England job
HR: “You know, in this game one minute you’re going well, a few bad results and you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s an amazing game.

“So, you know, I love what I’m doing, I’m working at a great club at the moment, so who knows what happens in the future.

“I don’t tend to look that far into the future, I live a little bit for this week and see what the future brings when it comes, you know.”

Harry Redknapp on… David Bentley
Helen Chamberlain: “I want to know when David Bentley threw that bucket of water over you in celebration, was that the moment you knew you were sending him out on loan?

HR: “No. Well I’ve got to be honest, Helen, it was a bit of fun, but I wasn’t best pleased with it, I’ve got to be honest with you, I just thought it was a bit disrespectful if I’m honest about it.

“I could never imagine doing that with Ron Greenwood, who was my manager when I was a player, or Bobby Moore doing it to the manager.

“But no, David’s a good lad, I just think they got a bit carried away on the night.

“You notice it was all lads who didn’t play who did it, it was none of the boys who actually played?”

“They probably thought ‘We’ll let him have it for leaving us out tonight’.”

source

Read more...

Arsenal Insider Confirms Shock £10m Bid for Everton Full Back Leighton Baines

Emirates outfit plan move for Toffees defender.

Arsenal are preparing a £10million move for Leighton Baines as fears grow over the future of left back Gael Clichy.
Sportsmail revealed last month that manager Arsene Wenger is worried Clichy will not sign a new deal at the Emirates. The French defender, who is out of contract at the end of next season, later admitted he would not recommence discussions over a new deal until the end of this campaign.
Now Everton’s Baines has been identified as the man Arsenal want should Clichy be sold.

The Gunners have looked at Celtic’s Emilio Izaguirre but Baines has been a shining light in a mediocre season for Everton and his performances have alerted Wenger.
An Arsenal source told Sportsmail: ‘Baines is a good defender first and foremost but Wenger likes how comfortable he is on the ball, particularly his delivery and set pieces. Wenger thinks Baines would slot straight into the team with little fuss. Also Baines knows the Premier League inside and out so he would not have to get used to English football like a foreign signing would.’

SOURCE: Daily Mail

How much should we believe about this Daily Mail report? Could it be true? Who is the Arsenal ‘source’? Perhaps however the biggest question would be, how can a reputable article about prospective left back targets that Arsene Wenger may make a move for, not make one single mention of a certain Kieran Gibbs? Yes, that’s right the ready made England international replacement for Gael Clichy, if indeed the Frenchman does leave the Emirates.

Clearly Leighton Baines is a quality player, a very effective wide option both on the attack and in defence. He is also a damn good set piece taker but surely Wenger would not look further than Gibbs, a player he has taken time to help build into the very talented youngster that he is now, surely it is not the Gunners manager’s style to ignore young talent he has at the club?

It seems a fair few of Arsenal’s squad are linked with exits that depend very much on whether the North London club fails to clinch the Premier League title, at least that is what the tabloids will have you believe. Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie, Samir Nasri and Andrei Arshavin have all been linked with high profile exits but just how likely is it that they will leave this summer?

source

Read more...

Arsenal Are Not Going To Make A Move For On-Loan Wigan Goalkeeper

Emirates boss linked with move for DW Stadium keeper but this should be an April’s fool.

          Skysports.com understands that Arsenal have joined the race to land Bolton’s Ali Al Habsi.

The Oman international is currently on a season-long loan with Wigan, where at times he has performed heroics for Roberto Martinez’s side.

His arrival has seen England international Chris Kirkland relegated from the No.1 spot at the DW Stadium, and his performances have been attracting attention from across Europe.

Bolton rate the 29-year-old very highly and would be loath to lose him, but they already have the excellent Jussi Jaaskelainen as their first choice.

But skysports.com understands that Arsenal are now very much in the reckoning.

Al Habsi had a world-class game for Wigan at Arsenal in the 3-0 defeat in January when he produced a string of top-class saves.

Arsene Wenger has since been keeping a close check on Al Habsi’s progress and is now seriously considering making a move to add him to his goalkeeping ranks.

Source: Sky Sports

If this story has any truth in it, which it very well may not, Arsene Wenger deserves to be shot.

This transfer move is indefensible.

Why on earth would Monsieur Wenger buy Ali A Habsi when he constantly reiterates his confidence in his current goalkeepers.

At the moment, Arsenal have a crisis in goal but that is because three keepers are injured, not because they are rubbish.

Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianksi and Vito Mannone are all highly-rated by the club and fans.

And at their ages of 20, 25 and 23 respectively they could be in the squad for a very long time.

The only criticism one may have is that they lack experience of playing at the top level over a long period and have never won a major trophy between them.

But Szczesny looked far from nervous when he was repelling wave after wave of Barcelona attacks.

So why would Arsenal go for Al Habsi? He has not played in the Premier League very long and he has not won anything in this country.

Jens Lehmann is on a short-term contract and Manuel Almunia should finally be sold in the summer so an experienced keeper could be an option.

Gianluigi Buffon is tipped to be on the Gunners radar and that makes more sense.

Nothing against Al Habsi because he is a fine shot-stopper.

I was at the game Sky Sports mention when he was ‘world class’. He was not!

He made some good saves but the Arsenal attack missed a lot of chances and should have done better with a lot of them.

Credit to Al Habsi for making the saves but he still conceded three. Hardly world class.

And if he really was that good, Owen Coyle would never let him go.

Either Sky are trying to make an April fool of us or Wenger has truly lost his marbles.

source

Read more...

Arsenal Striker Passed Fit To Play Against Blackburn

Emirates hero will lead the line in crucial match against Ewood Park club.

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has shaken off a knee injury and is fit to play against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.

The 27-year-old picked up the knock playing for Holland in the 5-3 victory over Hungary.

He scored his country’s first goal but came off before half-time and was considered a doubt for this weekend’s Premier League action.

But he, along with Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Theo Walcott (ankle), Nicklas Bendtner (ankle), Alex Song (knee) and Abou Diaby (groin) are all fit to return.

The only bad news for manager Arsene Wenger is that Aaron Ramsey (groin) and Denilson (toe) will sit out the game at the Emirates.

“He’s (van Persie) alright. He will be in the squad,” Wenger said.

“It was a kick on his knee, but he had a test this morning and felt alright. If he has no reaction overnight he should be OK.

“I am an optimist so always I hoped it would not be too severe. That was the case – for once we had good news.

“We all [hold our breath] because it’s the final part of the season and losing a player now is basically losing them for the rest of the season.

“We are in the final sprint for the championship so we want all our players available.

“We have available again Diaby, Fabregas, Song, Walcott. They are all back in the squad,” added Wenger.

“Out is still Denilson and the long-term injuries like Djourou, Fabianski and Vermaelen of course.”

source

Read more...

Arsenal Could Turn to Fiorentina’s Artur Boruc to Resolve Keeping Crisis

Emirates boss interested in former Celtic hero.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Fiorentina keeper Artur Boruc as Arsene Wenger looks to bring in an experienced keeper to the Emirates Stadium. The Polish international arrived at the Serie A club last summer but is seen as the number two keeper behind Sebastien Frey and the former Celtic man is reportedly considering his options with a number of other Premier League sides said to be interested in the 31 year old.

After five successful years at Parkhead Boruc left for Italy hoping to be the starting Viola keeper but it has not proved that way and the Pole has only managed a run in the first team due to a knee injury suffered by Frey and with the Frenchman set to return speculation is rife that the eccentric keeper will leave Italy this summer.

Arsenal have had a number of issues with their crop of keepers this season, having started with Manuel Almunia as first choice custodian, Wenger was forced to drop the Spaniard after a succession of errors and Lukasz Fabianski was then drafted in and although much improved may not be seen as number one starter, especially after being forced out of the side with a long term injury.

Youngster Wojciech Szczesny was then thrown in at the deep end and although clearly a player with great promise the 20 year old also committed errors before he too was struck down injury. Wenger had attempted to sign Mark Schwarzer last summer and has been linked with moves for Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina but a move for Boruc may be a more realistic and cost effective addition.

Tottenham and Everton have also been linked with moves for the experienced Fiorentina man.

source

Read more...

Arsenal Close To Agreeing Deal For Swedish Wonderkid

Emirates boss wants to bring midfield starlet to North London.

Arsenal are on the verge of completing a deal for Swedish wonderkid Kristoffer Olsson.

The 15-year-old has had several trials with the Gunners and even turned out for the Arsenal U16s against Crystal Palace.

The IFK Norrkoping midfielder is set for a permanent move to North London with the deal costing around £200,000.

“They want him,” his agent, Per Jonsson, told Aftonbladet. “He has been over a few times and really made an impression.

“It’s up to the clubs to agree and also the personal contract, but Arsenal really want this to go through – that’s 100 per cent certain.”

Norrkoping’s sporting director Tony Martinsson confirmed the teenager has spent time with Arsenal but says any deal is yet to be agreed.

“He was over a week-and-a-half back to train and play games,” he said. “Now he’s home again and we haven’t heard more from Arsenal since then.

“He is a fantastic, interesting player. Sometimes you say things like that to get attention but he really is.”

source

Read more...

Arsenal Hope to Sign Juventus Keeper Gianluigi Buffon for Free

Emirates boss considers move for Italian keeper.

Arsenal are weighing up the option of signing Italy’s veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon on a free transfer from Juventus.
Arsene Wenger has turned to Jens Lehmann to try and solve his long-standing problems in goal, but the 41-year-old made a less than impressive return for the reserves at Wigan on Tuesday. Now the Arsenal boss is considering Buffon whose 10-year stay in Turin is expected to end in the summer as Juve look to offload his £125,000-a-week salary. It is doubtful that Arsenal would pay that much for a 33-year-old who has struggled with injury but, surprisingly, there would be no fee for Buffon under a clause inserted in his contract when he agreed to stay with Juve following the club’s demotion to Serie B in 2006.

SOURCE: Daily Mail

Given the keeping crisis Arsenal are currently in, although perhaps crisis is too big a word, Arsene Wenger will be licking his lips at the prospect of being able to land a keeper as accomplished as Gianluigi Buffon for nothing. Quotes coming from the player’s agent have suggested that a move to the Premier League interests the Italian international.

Arsenal started the season with Manuel Almunia as first choice but a series of clangers appear to leave the Spaniard without much of a future at the Emirates. Lukasz Fabianski was then brought in and although improved the Pole still looked liable to make mistakes, he then got himself injured. In came youngster Wojciech Szczesny who very much looked the part but then he too made some costly errors but clearly still has great potential. Vito Mannone was loaned out to Hull City and is apparently likely to leave in the summer.

Wenger chased Mark Schwarzer last summer but Mark Hughes was unwilling to allow the Fulham keeper to leave and the Gunners boss has since been linked with very real interest in Liverpool goalie Pepe Reina. One can understand how the North London club would be interested in Buffon, there are few keepers in the modern game who have accomplished more than the 33 year old, but no doubt there will be many clubs who will make an offer for the goalie should he look to end his ten year long association with his Turin employers.

source

Read more...

Arsenal Manager Will Fight Off Chelsea And Manchester City To Sign AC Milan Ace

Emirates boss believes San Siro hero will add steel and experience to midfield and will not allow the player to move to Stamford Bridge or Eastlands.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants Ac Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo to add the steel and experience he feels his side are missing.

The 31-year-old is a free agent in the summer but Wenger will face strong competition from Chelsea and Manchester City.

Wenger wants Pirlo to compete for a place with Alex Song and Abou Diaby, whilst help guide and teach youngsters Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey.

Pirlo’s experience of playing the holding role allied with his exquisite passing make him an ideal Wenger signing.

The Italian international has won a World Cup, two Champions League and a Serie A title in a 16-year career.

But both Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Mancini want to bring Pirlo to Chelsea or Manchester City respectively.

Ancelotti wants to work with Pirlo again, after their time at Milan together, but his signing will go against the Blues policy of signing youngsters.

Mancini knows all about Pirlo from his time as manager of Inter Milan, and would love to have San Siro legend to replace Patrick Vieira.

Arsenal Manager Will Fight Off Chelsea And Manchester City To Sign AC Milan Ace, 9.0 out of 10 based on 6 ratings

source

Read more...

Arsenal Set to Spend £20m to Sign Much Needed Centre Back

Emirates boss to spend big on Bolton man.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been tipped to get his chequebook out and sign Bolton defender Gary Cahill this summer.

Bookmaker William Hill have made the Gunners favourites to snap up the England international @ 2.50. Arsenal have been frequently linked with the 25-year-old, who made his first England start against Ghana in midweek.

The former Aston Villa stopper has excelled since moving to Bolton Wanderers in 2008, clocking up over 100 appearances for the club. He was linked with a big money move to the Emirates in January and has also attracted the interest of Bayern Munich.

Ray Parlour has urged his former boss to sign the highly-rated Cahill, telling talkSPORT, “I’d love to see Gary Cahill at Arsenal, he’d be brilliant for the centre-half role.”

SOURCE: Goal.com

There will of course be those who believe that Arsene Wenger would never shell out a fee of £20m, let alone for a centre back, but one should take into account the pressure the Arsenal boss is under to spend some money, pressure that will increase significantly if the North London side fail to claim the Premier League title this season.

Bolton will not sell their prized asset for less than £20m and it seems that both Tottenham and Man United may be willing to pay the fee but this source, and William Hill, believe that such a move is on the cards and given the failures experienced by Arsenal’s defence this season, perhaps it’s a deal that needs to happen.

Even before this season began Wenger admitted he would have liked to have brought in another centre back and failed in a move to bring Everton centre back Phil Jagielka to the Emirates. The Gunners lost experienced campaigners William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikel Silvetre and in turn brought in Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci.

Thomas Vermaelen then got himself injured and has been sorely misses and both Squillaci and to a lesser extent Koscielny, have looked out of their depth, slow and cumbersome. Thankfully Johan Djourou has risen to the task but Arsenal could definitely do with another defensive option and Gary Cahill has been a hugely consistent performer over the past two seasons.

source

Read more...

Squillaci: Arsenal must grind out results

Arsenal defender Sebastien Squillaci says Arsenal need to follow the example set by Manchester United and start grinding out results if they are to overtake the Premier League leaders and claim the title.

Squillaci, 30, is likely to play most games between now and the end of the season alongside Laurent Koscielny because of the long-term injuries to fellow centre-backs Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou.

And after being part of the Gunners' battling fightback against West Brom in their last outing, Squillaci insists that more of the same spirit will be required if Arsene Wenger's side are to end their six-year drought.

"Look at Manchester United for example, they grind out the wins and that is what counts at the end of the season," Squillaci told Arsenal's official wesbite. "So for us, that is the main aim. Bouncing back from the disappointments and getting our chins up, showing that Arsenal is a big club, that can win the title.

"It is a bit of a bad time that we're having but we have all got to get our chins up and show our mettle against Manchester United for the title.

"That's the remaining target now and we've got to give everything for the cause. Really, it is a case of keeping going and getting the three points, that's the most important thing."

After initially keeping Djourou out of the side, Squillaci lost his place to the Swiss international at the turn of the year and has only played three times in 2011.

But Squillaci is not dwelling too much on his own form, with the former Sevilla defender stressing that he is only focused on how the team performs.

"It's fair to say that unfortunately I've not played that regularly and, of course, you're happy when you're playing," he added. "But the team has been playing well and it's not about me, the main thing is the team wins and keeps picking up the three points, that's all that matters."

source

Read more...